GLOBAL Expo Botswana 2025 has kicked off in Gaborone, with at least 20 Zimbabwean companies exhibiting under the Zimbabwe Pavilion.
The pavilion showcases the country’s manufacturing strength and growing export footprint across sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, horticulture, building and construction materials, leather, and professional services.
The event will run from 8 to 11 October.
This year’s edition comes at a time of renewed trade momentum between the two neighbours.
In 2024, Zimbabwe’s trade promotion body, ZimTrade, led a market visit to Botswana with local manufacturers, which culminated in several trade deals with Botswana-based buyers, further tightening economic ties.
Zimbabwe has been a regular feature at Global Expo Botswana since 2019, while Botswana, through the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), has consistently taken part in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
In a statement, ZimTrade said this mutual participation reflects the long-standing friendship between the two countries, built on shared culture, history, and mutual economic interests.
“The Bilateral Trade Agreement of 1988 between the two nations remains the cornerstone of this relationship. It allows duty-free trade in qualifying goods, encouraging the exchange of manufactured products, agricultural commodities, and services,” it said.
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Over the years, ZimTrade noted, the agreement has supported the growth of small and medium enterprises and helped sustain the flow of goods between the two economies.
Regular reviews by ZimTrade and BITC ensure it continues to respond to new market realities, the organisation noted.
“Opportunities continue to expand in processed foods, furniture, leather goods, construction materials, and horticulture, with Botswana’s growing retail and infrastructure sectors offering a ready market for Zimbabwean exporters,” the organisation said.
“Adding to this is the influence of the vibrant Zimbabwean diaspora in Botswana, whose affinity for local brands has helped sustain demand and visibility for both new and legacy Zimbabwean brands.
“Zimbabwe’s participation once again signals confidence in regional trade and the shared ambition to see local products move beyond borders: from Gaborone to the rest of Africa.”
As Global Expo Botswana 2025 opens its doors, the Zimbabwe Pavilion stands as a platform to deepen trade partnerships and expand market access between the two nations.
