Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MOZAMBIQUE – TRADE between Zimbabwe and Mozambique is on a growth trajectory, with business stakeholders from the two countries identifying key trade opportunities at a joint trade conference held in Beira, Mozambique, this Wednesday.
Several Mozambican firms expressed interest in expanding operations into Zimbabwe, pointing to potential in key sectors such as agro-processing, logistics, energy, and construction.
“We are interested in investing in the logistics sector in Zimbabwe. In Mozambique, we have a lot of investment opportunities in areas of agriculture and logistics where we can partner with Zimbabwean firms,” a Mozambican Business Community member said.
“As a Mozambican business person, I feel there are opportunities in both countries and I already have an investments in Zimbabwe. I am, however, looking for partnerships with Zimbabweans in an area of agriculture. In Zimbabwe, you are very good in agriculture, and my idea is to bring technicians from Zimbabwe and enter into a partnership because there are a lot of opportunities here in Mozambique. There are trade opportunities in Zimbabwe, where some foods are coming all the way from Brazil. As for me, I am going to sell prawns to Harare. We have fish in our country, and there are a lot of dairy products in Zimbabwe,” another businessperson said.
Zimbabwean companies are equally eyeing opportunities across the eastern border, citing Mozambique’s fast-growing industries and infrastructure potential.
“There are a lot of opportunities for transporters along the Beira Corridor including in construction, mining, and transport,” one Zimbabwean entrepreneur said.
“JB Holdings is the only company in Zimbabwe that manufactures conveyor belts. We are in Botswana, and in Zambia, and we are exploring opportunities in Mozambique. We supply Tongaat Zimbabwe with conveyor belts, and we believe there is an opportunity here from Tongaat Mozambique,” a Zimbabwean Business Community member said.
Representing ZimTrade, the country’s trade promotion body, Mr Admire Jongwe said Zimbabwe is keen to capitalise on growing trade ties with Mozambique.
“Our economy is anchored on four main sectors that are manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism. We are here to seek the market for Zimbabwean products and at the moment, we are exporting US$7 billion worth of products and importing US$9 billion.
“Mozambique is our fourth nation in terms of countries we export to. As a nation, our imports and exports from Mozambique have been increasing. In 2023, we exported US$400 million worth of products while we imported US$300 million worth of products from them. As Zimbabwe, we have been exporting construction materials, minerals, tobacco, and manufacturing substances to Mozambique. We have an opportunity to export processed foods. There are also opportunities in the building and construction industry.
“We can also export cookies, biscuits, cereals, and other products. As of 2024, Mozambique imported US$218 million worth of iron and steel products, and with the coming in of Manhize, we can export more iron and steel products. Zimbabwe is also producing agricultural chemicals and horticultural products as a nation,” he said.
The Zimbabwean government welcomed the outcomes of the Beira conference, with plans to escalate trade engagements across the region.
“We are pleased with the investment interest generated following these engagements. A lot of our people are seeking to invest in Mozambique, taking advantage of opportunities presented by the Beira Corridor. Some have successful businesses here already.
“A lot of Mozambicans have expressed interest in investing in Zimbabwe. We are taking these initiatives higher, and we are not only engaging Mozambique, but we are going to engage in other regional countries such as South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi as we promote trade with other countries,” Head of Zimbabwe’s Trade Mission, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said.
Zimbabwe has traditionally supplied coffee, tea, spices, fruits, and nuts to Mozambique.
With both countries now looking beyond traditional exports, the deepening ties are expected to unlock new opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
From Beira to Harare, the regional investment momentum is gathering pace offering hope for stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships across borders.
