Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to strengthen trade relations with Tanzania as it seeks to unlock new export opportunities through the Indian Ocean corridor.
This comes as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, attended the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair at the invitation of Tanzania’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Judith Salvio Kapinga.
“At the invitation of his counterpart, Honourable Judith Salvio Kapinga (MP), the Minister of Industry and Trade of the United Republic of Tanzania, Prof Amon Murwira, this Saturday, attended the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Saba Saba).
“The 2026 edition of the fair was officially opened by Her Excellency, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
According to the Ministry, the visit formed part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to expand export markets, deepen regional trade and strengthen economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It observed that the visit provided an opportunity for Zimbabwe to engage institutions that play a critical role in facilitating regional and international trade which are critical to advancing Zimbabwe’s trade and export agenda.
During the tour of the exhibition, Prof Murwira visited the ZimTrade exhibition stand, where Zimbabwean companies were showcasing export-ready products and promoting the country’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities to regional and international buyers.
The Minister also held discussions with officials from the Tanzania Ports Authority, whose ongoing investment in dry ports and logistics infrastructure is expected to improve cargo movement for neighbouring landlocked countries, including Zimbabwe.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the engagement, the Ministry said, “Enhanced access to Tanzania’s ports and logistics network presents significant opportunities for Zimbabwe to reduce transport costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and expand exports to regional and international markets through the Indian Ocean corridor.
This collaboration supports Zimbabwe’s trade diversification strategy, strengthens regional value chains, and advances economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the Ministry added.
The Ministry said Government remains focused on forging partnerships that improve market access for Zimbabwean products and increase the country’s export competitiveness.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, remains committed to pursuing strategic partnerships that unlock new market access opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean exports,” the Ministry said.
The Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, popularly known as Saba Saba, is one of East Africa’s premier annual trade exhibitions, bringing together governments, investors, manufacturers and businesses from across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s participation aligns with its efforts to diversify export markets, strengthen regional trade links and leverage opportunities created by the AfCFTA to boost economic growth.
