The United Arab Emirates is opening new opportunities for Zimbabwean agricultural, horticultural and manufactured products as local businesses are encouraged to diversify exports beyond minerals and tap into growing demand in the Gulf market.
Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$1.4 billion to the UAE between January and March this year, while bilateral trade exceeded US$5 billion in 2025 and is expected to surpass US$6 billion this year.
Zimbabwean Business Council chairman Simba Makahamadze said the UAE was becoming an increasingly important destination for Zimbabwean products, with opportunities extending beyond traditional mineral exports.
“UAE is becoming arguably the biggest export market or a destination for Zimbabwe products,” he said.
He said local producers should focus on expanding exports in sectors such as manufacturing, fisheries and agriculture, where demand remained strong.
“But what we need to look at is products outside the minerals. There are a lot of products within manufacturing, fisheries and agriculture that are not yet destined (for the market), but the demand is still high,” he said.
Mr Makahamadze said Zimbabwean exporters would, however, need to meet UAE quality standards and certification requirements while increasing production capacity to supply the market consistently.
“One of the challenges our private sector seems to be facing is inability to deliver products in volumes,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Christopher Mugaga said the UAE’s heavy reliance on imports presented opportunities for Zimbabwean producers, particularly in agro-processing and beef.
“UAE literally imports everything. What they only have is the oil,” he said.
Meanwhile, DFP World Group chief executive officer Mr Matin Agha Mohammadi said the company was considering introducing selected Zimbabwean products, including locally produced gin, into its airport retail operations.
DFP World operates airport lounges at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls Airport.
The company is also planning to invest about US$20 million in Zimbabwe over the next five years, with the investment expected to create between 60 and 70 direct jobs.
The developments come as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to diversify its export basket, increase value-added exports and deepen economic relations with the UAE.
The growing market access is expected to provide local producers with opportunities to expand their international footprint, provided they can meet required standards, maintain consistent supply and produce in volumes demanded by the Gulf market.
