Sikhulekelani Moyo sikhu.mopyo@chronicle.co.zw ZIMBABWE’S economy is set to take centre stage in New York on September 20 when the country hosts a high-level Business Forum on the sidelines of the…
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S economy is set to take centre stage in New York on September 20 when the country hosts a high-level Business Forum on the sidelines of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, an event expected to showcase the nation’s trade, investment and tourism opportunities to a global audience.
According to ZimTrade’s latest newsletter, the Zimbabwe Business Forum will bring together local companies, international buyers, investors, financiers and development partners as Zimbabwe seeks to expand export markets, attract new investment and strengthen commercial relationships across key markets.
The event is being jointly organised by ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
Held under the theme, “Global Challenges. Zimbabwean Solutions. Shared Prosperity,” the forum aims to position Zimbabwe as a competitive source of goods, services and investment opportunities at a time when businesses and governments worldwide are reassessing supply chains in response to evolving global economic conditions.
ZimTrade said the forum comes at a significant moment for the country, following Zimbabwe’s election in June this year as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
According to the trade development body, the development has elevated Zimbabwe’s profile within the United Nations system and created additional opportunities for deeper international engagement. The Business Forum is expected to build on that diplomatic momentum by promoting stronger trade and investment partnerships.
While Zimbabwe’s participation at the General Assembly will involve high-level diplomatic engagements, the forum will provide the private sector with a platform to pursue direct commercial discussions with potential partners from around the world.
A major focus of the event will be the changing nature of global supply chains.
Geopolitical tensions, disruptions along key shipping routes, tighter financing conditions and climate-related risks have prompted many businesses to diversify their sources of supply in search of greater resilience.
“The forum will use this changing environment to present Zimbabwe as an alternative supplier in areas where the country has established or emerging production capacity,” said ZimTrade.
One of the forum’s three key thematic pillars is trade for resilient supply chains, which will highlight Zimbabwe’s ability to supply value-added goods and services to international markets.
Sectors targeted for promotion include horticulture, processed foods, leather products, manufactured goods, minerals, creative industry products and professional services.
The programme will also focus on converting interest generated during the forum into tangible business opportunities.
Ahead of the event, organisers are undertaking a business linkage and matchmaking exercise aimed at identifying and profiling buyers, investors and trade partners according to their respective sector interests.
This approach is expected to enable participating companies to engage directly with prospective buyers, distributors and commercial partners whose interests align with their products and services.
Business-to-business meetings will form a central component of the programme, creating opportunities for companies to discuss supply agreements, distribution arrangements and other potential commercial transactions.
The structured engagement model is designed to move participants beyond general networking and towards discussions centred on concrete business opportunities and measurable outcomes.
ZimTrade said the forum will also feature dedicated discussions on Zimbabwe’s trade relationship with the United States as part of broader efforts to increase exports to that market.
Zimbabwean agricultural exporters and business process outsourcing firms already operating in the United States are expected to share their experiences, including lessons learned on entering the market and servicing international clients.
Their participation is expected to provide valuable insights for other local businesses seeking to expand their international footprint, while highlighting opportunities available across a range of sectors in the US market.
