Zimbabwe is hosting eight buyers from the United Kingdom and the European Union, this week, in a strategic inward trade mission aimed at accelerating horticulture exports and driving economic growth.
The visit, running from 02 to 07 March is being conducted under the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme, funded by the UK Government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The mission is facilitating direct engagement between international buyers and 11 Zimbabwean farm and food enterprises across Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Manicaland and the Midlands.
UKTP Programme Manager at the ITC, Jarmila Sarda, said the mission is designed to create direct commercial linkages between Zimbabwean exporters and overseas markets.
“This inward trade mission creates direct connections between Zimbabwean horticulture businesses and buyers from the United Kingdom and the European Union. By facilitating face-to-face engagements and site visits, we are helping local exporters secure new contracts and diversify their markets,” she said.
The delegation began its programme with farm visits in Harare, followed by an official welcome reception at the British Embassy Harare.
Head of Communications at the British Embassy Harare, Margret Masanga, said increasing trade between the UK and Zimbabwe remained a shared priority.
“Delivering economic growth is a priority for both the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. By connecting Zimbabwean farmers with UK and European buyers, we are supporting job creation, boosting foreign exchange earnings and strengthening economic resilience. These partnerships demonstrate the practical benefits of expanding trade under existing agreements,” she said.
The itinerary for the buyers includes touring Mutorashanga, Mvurwi, Chegutu, Shurugwi and Mutare, where buyers will engage directly with producers on-site to assess production capacity, quality standards and export readiness.
Participating agribusinesses are said to be showcasing horticultural products including peas, mangetout (snow peas), rock melons (cantaloupe), Victoria pineapples and chillies. Organisers said that successful engagements could result in export agreements into the UK and European markets, further consolidating Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive supplier.
With Zimbabwean products benefiting from tariff-free access to the UK under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern African countries and the United Kingdom, the initiative is expected to unlock expanded trade, boost foreign currency inflows and create sustainable employment across the horticulture value chain.
