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Francis Gakanje

ZimTrade, the country’s national trade promotion and development body, will hold this year’s edition of its annual exporter’s conference from October 14-18, 2024, in Bulawayo.

The event, scheduled to run under the theme “Qala/Tanga/Start”, would provide local companies with a perfect platform to engage and explore strategies that drive export growth.

After its duration was expanded from three to five days, the conference aims to foster dialogue and linkages between delegates and business leaders from different sectors of the economy.

Dubbed Zimbabwe Exporter’s Week, the event is designed to facilitate interactions, synergies and solutions that help to improve Zimbabwe’s trade balance.

This year’s event is expected to host at least 15 buyers from markets such as Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, among others.

Visitors from the participating countries will get a first-hand experience of Zimbabwe’s offerings, which they can take to their markets. ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said the expansion of the programme into a week-long event was a major step in creating space for businesses to expand beyond Zimbabwe.

The decision to increase the number of days marked a significant milestone in the journey towards growing Zimbabwe exports.

“By returning to Bulawayo and incorporating a rich array of exhibitions, side events, and company visits, we are creating a robust platform for local businesses to connect, collaborate and                     innovate.

“This extended period provides more time for meaningful discussions, and also opens doors for exploring diverse strategies to drive our export growth,” said Mr Majuru.

One of the key highlights of the conference is the Buyers’ Seminar, which has been rebranded to Buyers Shop at Zim, scheduled for October 16 at Holiday Inn, Bulawayo.

It is also a chance for local exporters to engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from the region and beyond.

From issues raised during the programme key outcomes that are industry-driven will be identified.

These resolutions would inform engagement activities the national trade development and promotion organisation would use to facilitate growth of Zimbabwe’s export capacity and enhance the ease of doing export business.

The week-long programme will conclude with an awards ceremony on October 17 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition centre.

The event is anticipated to provide a dynamic programme featuring diverse exhibitions, a range of side events, and insightful company visits.