The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries’ bold initiative to help Zimbabwean manufacturers unlock their export potential and tap into lucrative markets such as the United Kingdom is open to interested businesses.
Workshops held in Harare and Bulawayo earlier this month unpacked the tariff advantages, customs documentation and specific market entry pathways available under the UK-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement . “We are demystifying the export process,” said CZI officials at the Bulawayo seminar. “Our manufacturers must move from potential to participation.”
The Trade-Ability Export Accompaniment Initiative, rolled out in collaboration with the British Embassy in Harare and ZimTrade, is designed to walk local producers through every step of the export journey — from identifying viable products and markets to meeting documentation and compliance standards.
According to CZI, the initiative is born out of the realisation that while Zimbabwe enjoys preferential trade access to the UK under the UK-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement — alongside Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar — uptake of the facility remains low. Reports suggest that exports to the UK that reached just US$886 million in 2024 were mostly driven by diaspora demand rather than structured market expansion.
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CZI’s initiative aims to change that by offering hands-on export guidance, industry-specific training and business-to-business matchmaking with potential UK buyers. The goal, according to CZI, is to ensure that Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity translates into export competitiveness.
The UK market presents duty- and quota-free access for eligible products, yet Zimbabwean exporters are not fully utilising the preferences, particularly in sectors such as clothing, footwear and beverages.
Currently, exports to the UK are dominated by tobacco, tea, horticultural products, textiles and minerals, while imports from the UK mainly consist of machinery, pharmaceuticals and automotive parts.
Analysts note that significant potential exists in value-added goods — including cordials, essential oils, cereals, baobab powder, biscuits, jams, maize flour and cigars — products that can diversify export earnings and create jobs locally.
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The Trade-Ability program will conduct benchmarking exercises to align selected companies with UK market standards, while rolling out training on export procedures and compliance. Dedicated business matchmaking platforms will also connect Zimbabwean producers with established UK distributors and retailers.
CZI says the long-term objective is to make Zimbabwe a reliable supplier of high-quality manufactured goods, leveraging its regional position and trade agreements to expand its global footprint.
Businesses interested in joining the program can contact Chinyaradzo Phiri (cphiri@czi.co.zw) or Pepertua Muzondo (pmuzondo@czi.co.zw) for more information.
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