Zimbabwe targets Namibia market through trade mission

Sostenus Wilherm

Zimbabwe is stepping up efforts to expand its presence in the Namibian market, with its national trade promotion body preparing to bring exporters from key sectors to Windhoek next month in a push to secure new buyers, distributors and commercial partners.

ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation, will conduct a three-day Outward Trade Mission from 7 to 9 October 2026, targeting opportunities for Zimbabwean products and selected services in Namibia.

The mission comes after ZimTrade’s participation in the Windhoek Agricultural and Commercial Show over the past three years, engagements which the organisation says have highlighted further potential for commercial cooperation between businesses in the two countries.

The latest initiative will include a Business Forum in Windhoek which will bring Zimbabwean and Namibian companies together for direct business-to-business engagements aimed at identifying market access opportunities, export leads and potential partnerships.

The mission is being led by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Namibia in collaboration with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).

Businesses operating in agriculture, alcoholic beverages, educational services, engineering services, fast-moving consumer goods, stock feeds, horticulture and logistics are expected to participate.

Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, said the mission is intended to move commercial relations between the two countries beyond discussions and towards practical business opportunities.

“The mission will provide an important platform for Zimbabwean and Namibian businesses to move beyond dialogue and identify practical areas of cooperation,” Chaurura said.

“By bringing businesses together, we hope to create stronger commercial linkages, expand market access and encourage partnerships that can contribute to increased trade and investment between our two countries.”

ZimTrade said the mission will give Zimbabwean companies an opportunity to showcase their products and services directly to Namibian buyers, importers, distributors and other stakeholders.

The organisation will also use the visit to gain a better understanding of the Namibian market, including buyer requirements, distribution channels, regulatory requirements and sectors with potential for increased trade.

Jacqueline Nyathi, ZimTrade Manager for the Southern Region, said direct engagement with Namibian businesses would be important in helping Zimbabwean companies identify opportunities in the local market.

“Our objective is to give Zimbabwean businesses a better understanding of the Namibian market while creating direct opportunities to engage with potential buyers, distributors and business partners,” Nyathi said.

She said ZimTrade hopes the engagements will result in tangible business leads and partnerships that could support the expansion of companies from both countries into regional markets.

The mission is expected to create opportunities for local businesses to identify new suppliers, explore products and services from Zimbabwe and establish new commercial relationships.

NCCI chief executive officer Titus Nampala said such engagements could strengthen networks within the private sector while opening opportunities for businesses to expand.

“Initiatives such as this create opportunities for Namibian businesses to connect with new suppliers, explore new markets and identify potential areas for collaboration,” Nampala said.

“These engagements can contribute to business growth, strengthen commercial networks and create opportunities for increased trade between Namibia and Zimbabwe.”

Nampala said NCCI considers the facilitation of such connections important in supporting a more connected and active private sector.

The Business Forum will also bring together industry experts, development cooperation agencies and other stakeholders to discuss market access and commercial partnerships.

ZimTrade said the mission will allow participating companies to exchange market information and engage directly with potential partners across several sectors.

The organisation said information gathered during the mission will help Zimbabwean exporters better understand the Namibian market and enable them to respond more effectively to local business requirements.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen private-sector participation in the broader commercial relationship between Namibia and Zimbabwe.

ZimTrade and its Namibian partners have encouraged businesses to participate in the Business Forum and use the platform to explore new commercial relationships and market opportunities.