ZimTrade Targets Malawi to Boost Zimbabwean Exports and Regional Trade
Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, is set to lead a delegation of 10 local companies to Blantyre, Malawi, from May 7 to 9, 2025, for a high-impact outward seller mission aimed at unlocking new export markets and strengthening bilateral trade relations.
The mission forms part of ZimTrade’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional markets such as South Africa. It also supports the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting intra-African trade and enhancing Zimbabwe’s participation in regional commerce.
According to ZimTrade, the participating companies represent high-potential sectors including agricultural inputs and equipment, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), building and construction materials, furniture, packaging solutions, and personal protective equipment (PPEs). These sectors were identified through a recent market intelligence survey that highlighted Malawi’s growing demand for Zimbabwean goods and services.
ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru said the initiative goes beyond boosting exports and is designed to foster long-term economic partnerships.
“Malawi is more than just a market; it is a natural trading partner with immense potential for collaboration. This mission is about creating sustainable business growth, job creation, and value chain development on both sides,” Majuru said.
The mission builds on the success of a previous engagement in 2021, where Zimbabwean firms secured trade deals worth over US$1.5 million. In 2023, Zimbabwe’s exports to Malawi rose sharply to US$27.4 million from US$11.1 million in 2022, with key exports including mineral fuels, paper products, ceramics, and electrical machinery.
During the three-day mission, Zimbabwean companies will take part in a business forum, B2B meetings, a trade exhibition, and guided tours of Malawian businesses. These engagements are expected to forge direct linkages with buyers and investors, providing valuable market exposure for Zimbabwean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ZimTrade emphasized that Malawi’s proximity to Zimbabwe and shared consumer preferences make it a strategic market, especially for affordable, high-quality products that support agriculture, infrastructure, and household needs.
The mission aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Export Strategy, which prioritizes export diversification, private sector engagement, and regional integration.
