ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to expand exports and attract investment through a series of high-level business forums with Uganda, Egypt and Saudi Arabia as the country seeks to deepen trade ties and unlock new markets.
According to ZimTrade, the engagements are meant to connect Zimbabwean exporters with international buyers and investors while advancing intra-African trade and strengthening commercial links with the Middle East.
The first engagement, the Zimbabwe–Uganda Business Forum, will be held in Harare on March 17 and is expected to bring together Ugandan buyers looking to source products from Zimbabwean companies.
The forum is being hosted by ZimTrade, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Embassy of Uganda in Zimbabwe.
“Strategic partnerships with Ugandan firms can ease entry into the market, assist with regulatory compliance and provide on-the-ground market intelligence,” ZimTrade said.
The agency said such collaborations could enable Zimbabwean businesses to respond more effectively to regional demand while strengthening bilateral trade ties.
ZimTrade noted that Uganda’s import demand presents opportunities for Zimbabwean producers seeking to expand their regional footprint.
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Although trade between the two countries has remained relatively modest over the past five years, Uganda continues to source products such as iron and steel, mineral fuels and precious stones from within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa).
“Local companies can take advantage of reduced tariffs and improved market access to increase intra-African trade, broaden their export markets and stimulate domestic industrial growth,” ZimTrade said.
The agency added that Uganda’s two agricultural harvesting seasons, relatively liberal foreign exchange regime and rapidly growing population make it an attractive destination for exporters and investors, particularly in agro-processing and manufacturing.
Zimbabwe will also host the Zimbabwe–Egypt Business Forum in Harare on March 25 as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with North Africa.
The event is being jointly organised by ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the Embassy of Egypt in Zimbabwe.
The Egyptian delegation will be led by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, and will include companies from sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
ZimTrade said discussions would focus on trade and investment opportunities under the frameworks of Comesa and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The forum is designed to move beyond dialogue toward practical outcomes,” ZimTrade said, adding that technical presentations and sector-focused discussions would aim to unlock bankable projects and strengthen commercial partnerships.
Egypt, with a population of about 119 million and an estimated gross domestic product of US$395 billion in 2025, is regarded as a strategic entry point into North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Egypt has largely been concentrated in a narrow range of products. Zimbabwe’s exports to Egypt peaked at US$55,8 million in 2020, mainly driven by tobacco, before dropping sharply to US$421 000 in 2023 and recovering to US$7 million in 2024.
In contrast, Egyptian exports to Zimbabwe have grown steadily from US$16 million in 2020 to US$39,7 million in 2024, largely consisting of cereals, plastics and pharmaceutical products.
ZimTrade said there is scope for Zimbabwe to diversify its exports to Egypt, particularly in horticultural products such as citrus, avocados and tea, as well as raw cane sugar, black tea and sesame seeds.
Supply disruptions in Sudan — traditionally a key supplier of sesame seeds to Egypt — have also created opportunities for Zimbabwean farmers to enter the market.
Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves also present prospects for value-chain partnerships with Egyptian companies in mineral processing and renewable energy development.
Beyond Africa, Zimbabwe will seek to deepen trade and investment ties with the Middle East through the ZimTrade–Saudi Arabia Business Forum, scheduled for April 13 to 15 in Riyadh.
The forum will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, investors and tourism stakeholders from both countries.
According to ZimTrade, the engagement will adopt a “Visit, Trade and Invest” approach aimed at promoting Zimbabwe as a tourism destination, a source of quality exports and an attractive investment location.
Under the tourism component, Zimbabwe will showcase attractions such as Victoria Falls while engaging Saudi tour operators, airlines and hospitality investors to promote travel partnerships and tourism infrastructure development.
The trade pillar will highlight export-ready sectors including horticulture, processed foods, leather products, building materials and lifestyle goods.
“Market intelligence and exporter engagements undertaken by ZimTrade have identified Saudi Arabia as a high-potential market for Zimbabwean horticultural produce such as berries, citrus and vegetables,” the agency said.
The investment component will position Zimbabwe as a destination for Saudi capital in sectors such as agriculture, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure and tourism facilities.
ZimTrade said the Riyadh forum is expected to generate export deals, investment commitments and institutional partnerships between Zimbabwean and Saudi business support organisations.
“For Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia represents a gateway into the broader Gulf region and a high-income consumer market with demand for premium products,” ZimTrade said.
