ZIMBABWE'S Ambassador to Rwanda, Charity Manyeruke, has pledged diplomatic support for efforts to secure export markets for Zimbabwean rabbit products across Africa as the country seeks to transform its fast-growing rabbit industry into a significant source of jobs, foreign currency earnings and regional trade.
Speaking during a meeting with a Zimbabwean delegation currently in Rwanda for specialised rabbit artificial insemination training, Manyeruke said the sector was well-positioned to tap into growing demand for rabbit products on the continent.
“We will support Zimbabwe to explore export markets within Africa,” she said. “The rabbit sector in Zimbabwe has the potential to create jobs and generate foreign currency.”
Her remarks come as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to commercialise rabbit production and develop export-oriented value chains capable of supplying regional markets.
Manyeruke highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, noting that the two countries have signed 33 Memoranda of Understanding since 2019, including agreements in agriculture that provide a framework for deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The Zimbabwean delegation is led by Senzile Ndlovu, acting livestock specialist in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production under the Ministry of Agriculture, and is undergoing specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination at the Kigali Rabbit Centre.
The programme is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's capacity to improve rabbit genetics, enhance production efficiency and increase productivity, key factors in building a competitive industry capable of meeting both domestic and export demand.
Zimbabwe's rabbit industry has expanded rapidly over the past six years, evolving from largely backyard production into a commercially driven enterprise. Growth has been underpinned by rising consumer demand for rabbit meat, which is widely regarded as a healthy source of protein due to its high protein content and low cholesterol levels.
Director of Livestock and Fisheries Production in the Ministry of Agriculture, Milton Makumbe, said the skills being acquired in Rwanda would support Zimbabwe's broader ambitions to position rabbit farming as a key livestock sub-sector with export potential.
He said knowledge gained through the programme would contribute to plans to establish a National Rabbit Training, Research and Development Centre, complete with a dedicated Artificial Insemination Unit, to drive innovation, productivity and industry growth.
Upon completion of the programme, the trainees are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired in Rwanda to farmers and industry stakeholders across Zimbabwe through training sessions, demonstrations and extension support services.
Other members of the delegation include Tatenda Warima of the Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association president Regis Nyamakanga, Raymeg Consultants executive director Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, and trainees Farlen Marume and Melissa Nyamakanga.
The training is being conducted by Dieudonne Musoni, chief executive officer of the Kigali Rabbit Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen technical capacity and unlock new opportunities for Zimbabwe's growing rabbit industry.
