Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
Zimbabwe’s export sector is poised for further growth in 2026, driven by intensified economic diplomacy spearheaded by ZimTrade.
The national trade development and promotion organisation is set to facilitate several bilateral trade engagements with strategic economies this year, building on strong export growth recorded over the past four years.
Zimbabwe’s exports have risen significantly from over US$4.2 billion in 2021 to US$9.7 billion by 2025, reflecting expanding market access and improved trade performance.
ZimTrade Export Promotion Manager, Mrs Vuyiswa Mafu, said the country will host two key bilateral business forums in March 2026 aimed at strengthening trade ties.
“Zimbabwe will host two strategic bilateral business engagements in March 2026, namely the Zimbabwe–Uganda Business Forum on March 17, 2026 and the Zimbabwe–Egypt Business Forum on March 25, 2026. These forums are intended to strengthen economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and the two countries,” she said.
Mrs Mafu noted that the engagements are anchored on opportunities presented under the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa trading frameworks.
Economists say the bilateral engagements align with Zimbabwe’s strategy of growing exports by over 10 percent annually.
A lecturer in the Faculty of Business Management Sciences and Economics at the University of Zimbabwe, Dr Nyasha Kaseke, said diversification remains critical.
“Zimbabwe needs to diversify its export markets and reap more trade benefits. Riding on the current gains, there is a lot that needs to be done to facilitate growth through beneficiation as well as utilising comparative advantage for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
Further momentum is expected as Zimbabwe prepares to assume the Chairmanship of COMESA later this year, taking over from Kenya — a move anticipated to strengthen the country’s regional trade influence and unlock new export opportunities.
