More than 20 local enterprises are set to participate in Botswana’s largest trade fair, scheduled from the 11th to the 14th of October.
Organized by the esteemed national trade development and promotion organization, ZimTrade, this participation by Zimbabwean exporters at the Global Expo Botswana is poised to pave the way for deeper market penetration and lucrative collaborations.
The focal objective of this endeavour aligns perfectly with the fresh initiative aimed at expanding the presence of Zimbabwean products and services across the region. Through strengthened connections with key distributors in the market, local companies participating in the Global Expo Botswana are poised to tap into a wealth of opportunities.
This prestigious event promises local businesses a platform to establish partnerships, engage in critical business-to-business meetings, and solidify substantial orders.
Allan Majuru, the Chief Executive Officer of ZimTrade, emphasized the strategic importance of Botswana as a burgeoning export market. He stated, “Zimbabwe has a strong relationship with Botswana, offering abundant export opportunities. The initial step for any company looking to venture into this market is establishing connections with buyers, and we are confident that the Global Expo Botswana will provide precisely that platform.”
The Global Expo Botswana is a premier international trade fair meticulously designed to facilitate synergistic collaborations and foster economic partnerships within the African continent. This year’s edition, operating under the theme “AfCTA as a springboard for improved intra-Africa trade,” is poised to attract exhibitors not only from Zimbabwe but also from other African nations and beyond. This diverse array of participants will grant Zimbabwean enterprises access to an extensive network of potential collaborators.
As the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) aims to establish a unified market for the continent, the presence of local companies at such regional trade fairs encourages cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the proliferation of thriving export ventures. The participating Zimbabwean companies span various sectors including horticulture, leather, fast-moving consumer goods, clothing and textiles, building and construction, and services – all representing low-hanging fruit in terms of imports to Botswana.
Remarkably, many of the local enterprises participating in the Botswana fair are youth-led and women-led businesses, a testament to the inclusive export development programs offered by ZimTrade. These companies, armed with innovative solutions and diverse offerings, are primed to make a resounding impact on the regional stage, showcasing their ingenuity and high-quality products.
Leveraging the advantageous proximity between the two nations, Zimbabwean companies stand poised to offer competitive prices in the Botswana market. Botswana, a traditional trading partner of Zimbabwe, presents export potential across various sectors such as processed foods, fresh produce, agricultural implements, building materials, and mining supplies.
For instance, Zimbabwean companies have the potential to export processed foods like pork products, tinned foods, cereals, dairy-based products, cordials, biscuits, and confections. Furthermore, Botswana’s demand for fresh produce, including vegetables, bananas, apples, oranges, and peppers, offers a lucrative opportunity for local exporters to meet this need. By adding value to their commodities, these exporters can maximize their earnings in the Botswana market.
Drawing upon Zimbabwe’s global reputation as a producer of high-quality products, some local brands have already gained household recognition in Botswana. This synergy of factors bodes well for Zimbabwean businesses looking to seize the wealth of opportunities presented by the Global Expo Botswana, and it signifies a promising stride toward regional economic growth and collaboration.
