ZimTrade yesterday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Roscongress Foundation, opening new pathways for Zimbabwean companies to access the Russian market and strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, one of Russia’s premier economic and investment platforms that brings together government leaders, investors and business executives from around the world.
In a statement ZimTrade said the MoU is expected to facilitate business matchmaking, trade promotion activities, market access initiatives and the exchange of commercial information between enterprises from the two countries over the next five years.
“New export markets unlocked. ZimTrade has signed a five-year MoU with the Roscongress Foundation at SPIEF 2026. This MoU is the first step connecting Zimbabwean exporters directly with Russian buyers and leaders.
The signing comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to diversify export destinations and increase the share of value-added products in its export basket in line with the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda,” the organisation added.
ZimTrade revealed that implementation of the agreement has already commenced, with initial high-level engagements taking place with Business Russia and the St Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The work has already started with initial sideline meetings underway with Business Russia and the St Petersburg Chamber on value-added exports and reciprocal trade missions,” ZimTrade said.
The deal is also expected to support Government’s drive to promote beneficiation and value addition by creating demand for higher-value Zimbabwean products in international markets.
For Zimbabwean businesses, the partnership presents an opportunity to showcase locally manufactured goods, establish commercial partnerships and explore investment opportunities within Russia and the broader Eurasian region.
