By Talkmore Gandiwa
Zimbabwe’s manufactured goods exports, with value-added exports rose by 29% to US$522 million in the eleven months to November 2025, up from US$404 million recorded over the same period last year, underlining the growing contribution of locally manufactured goods to the national export basket
This export growth rare moment of momentum, comes as all eyes are now on the country’s flagship exporters’ conference in February, where policy, investment and enterprise will converge to chart the next phase of export-led growth.
Zimtrade chief executive Allan Majuru said the agency is now determined to sustain and accelerate this upward trajectory by deepening the export of locally produced, higher-value goods.
“Strategic alignment between government policy and business execution is critical. This conference is the definitive platform to forge that collaboration and set our national export agenda for the year,” Majuru said.
The strong export performance comes as Zimtrade prepares to host its highly anticipated Exporters Conference on 20 February 2026, an event expected to provide fresh impetus to the country’s drive to grow local production and exports. The conference will be headlined by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, signalling high-level political backing for export-oriented industrialisation.
“The rescheduled conference will now take place on February 20, 2026, at the ZITF grounds in Bulawayo,” Zimtrade confirmed, positioning the city once again as a focal point for national trade and investment dialogue.
Held under the theme “Rooted Locally, Growing Globally,” the conference will focus on strengthening Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness by leveraging domestic productive capacity for international success. At a time when value-added exports are gaining traction, the theme speaks directly to the need to move beyond raw commodity exports into higher-margin manufactured goods.
The high-level dialogue will also feature Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, giving exporters a rare opportunity to engage directly with policymakers on both the strategic and practical dimensions of trade. Organisers say this direct interface is designed to bridge the gap between policy intent and business execution.
Beyond the local leadership, the conference will draw on international expertise from an accomplished line-up of speakers drawn from across Africa. These include Dr Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, Founder and CEO of Ecopia of Ethiopia; Mr Alex Musembi, Co-founder and General Manager of Africa Collect Textiles in Kenya; and Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute, also based in Ethiopia.
Their sessions are expected to provide exporters with actionable frameworks for integrating into global value chains, adopting sustainable trade models and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive export growth and competitiveness.
For Zimbabwean companies looking to expand beyond the domestic market, these insights come at a critical time, as the continent moves deeper into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) era, opening up new regional markets and supply chain opportunities.
The day-long conference will culminate in the prestigious Exporters Awards Gala, where top-performing companies will be recognised for their contribution to the country’s export drive. Award categories span the entire business spectrum, from the SME Exporter of the Year to major sector champions, reflecting the diverse base of Zimbabwe’s export economy.
One of the most closely watched honours will be the Intra-Africa Trade Award, introduced last year to promote regional commerce.
“The Intra-Africa Trade Award promotes and encourages the pioneers who are transforming Zimbabwe’s trade profile by participating in continental trade and championing the country’s participation and opportunities in the AfCFTA,” Majuru said.
For the business community, the February conference is more than just a diary date. It represents a strategic investment in networking, learning and recognition, all aimed at improving profitability, resilience and global reach at a time when Zimbabwe’s value-added exports are clearly on the rise.
