… As Zim seeks deeper market access in Nam
By Koviao Matuzee
Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia Melody Chaurura has urged businesses in the two countries to use the ongoing ZimTrade outward trade mission to build lasting commercial partnerships, increase value-added exports and unlock new markets across the region.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day Zimbabwean outward trade mission in Windhoek recently, Chaurura said Zimbabwe and Namibia have complementary economies and should move beyond simply trading products towards partnerships that create investment, jobs and industrial opportunities.
“This is the time to showcase investment opportunities, the companies, the creativity of our entrepreneurs and strengthen your partnership together,” Chaurura said.
The mission brought Zimbabwean companies from sectors including agriculture, processed foods, beverages, educational and engineering services, horticulture, logistics, construction and agricultural inputs together with Namibian businesses.
Chaurura said Namibia’s geographical position and infrastructure, particularly the Port of Walvis Bay, presented Zimbabwe with an opportunity to access wider African markets.
She described the two countries as having a strong historical relationship, but said economic ties should now be strengthened to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and ordinary citizens.
“Together, we can transform this mission into a catalyst for growth and shared prosperity,” she said.
She also linked the trade drive to Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy agenda, saying increased trade and investment between African countries was essential to strengthening economic cooperation on the continent.
ZimTrade Manager for the Southern Region Jacqueline Nyathi said Zimbabwe was looking to diversify its export markets while increasing intra-African trade.
She said Namibia was particularly important because of its proximity and its potential to serve as a gateway to other markets through Walvis Bay.
“We want to reduce dependence on just a few markets that have been known to be traditional markets,” Nyathi said.
She urged businesses not to view the mission simply as an opportunity to sell finished products, but to explore partnerships that combine the strengths of both countries.
For example, she said products could be partially processed in Zimbabwe, further value-added in Namibia and then exported to international markets.
“Let us partner and ensure that we are able to actually give the world what is by effort,” she said, stressing the importance of beneficiation and regional industrialisation.
The mission comes as Zimbabwe’s exports have grown significantly over the past five years, although the country continues to record a trade deficit.
Figures presented by ZimTrade, sourced from ZimStats, show Zimbabwe’s exports increased from about US$4.39 billion in 2020 to about US$9.71 billion in 2025.
Imports, however, also rose from about US$5.68 billion in 2020 to about US$10.11 billion in 2025, leaving a trade deficit of about US$404 million last year.
The figures also show exports of about US$6.04 billion against imports of about US$7.54 billion in 2021; exports of about US$6.59 billion against imports of about US$8.62 billion in 2022; and exports of about US$7.22 billion against imports of about US$9.22 billion in 2023.
In 2024, Zimbabwe recorded exports of about US$7.43 billion against imports of about US$9.75 billion, resulting in a deficit of approximately US$2.31 billion.
Nyathi said Zimbabwe’s export base includes tobacco, minerals, processed foods, agricultural products and horticultural produce, while the country also has opportunities in seeds, fertilisers, irrigation equipment, construction materials, education, engineering and logistics.
She specifically encouraged greater trade in horticultural products, noting that Zimbabwe has significant production of blueberries, citrus, nuts and other produce.
“We need to reiterate the importance of strengthening regional partnerships,” Nyathi said.
She added that the success of the mission would ultimately be measured by the business deals and partnerships that emerge after the meetings.
“Six months down the line, we should be able to say, as a result of the trade mission that took place in October, we now have so much business that is being generated,” she said.
