Maputo International Trade Fair opportunity for Zim exporters

Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

THE Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) 2026, which begins on Monday next week, offers local companies a platform to pursue new markets, secure buyers and build strategic partnerships, the trade promotion body, ZimTrade, has said.

Mozambique’s premier multi-sectoral trade exhibition will run from August 31 to September 6 in Maputo, bringing together businesses, investors, Government officials and buyers from across Africa and beyond.

For Zimbabwean companies, the fair comes at an opportune time, with trade between Harare and Maputo on an upward trajectory and the two neighbouring countries pushing ahead with measures designed to make cross-border business easier.

“Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique grew by four percent from US$255,1 million in 2024 to US$266,2 million last year, underlining the market’s growing importance to the country’s export drive,” ZimTrade said in a statement on Thursday.

“Against this background, ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, will lead local companies at a dedicated Zimbabwe Pavilion.

“The pavilion will bring together businesses from different sectors under a single national brand, in support of the country’s economic diplomacy thrust being pursued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Products that are expected to be showcased include manufactured goods, agricultural produce, processed foods, building materials, engineering products and arts and crafts.

ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru says this year’s fair comes at a particularly favourable time for Zimbabwean businesses, given the strengthening economic relations between the two countries and growing demand for locally produced goods in the neighbouring market.

“Our participation at FACIM is about creating linkages that place Zimbabwe firmly at the centre of regional trade routes,” he said.

“FACIM continues to open real, actionable opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters, and the strengthened relations between our two countries make this the right time for businesses to engage the Mozambican market directly.”

He also said Mozambique had continued to demonstrate strong potential for Zimbabwean companies, particularly because of its proximity, established trade links and growing appetite for competitively priced regional products.

“Zimbabwean companies are well positioned to grow their presence in Mozambique because we already have strong trade linkages, a shared border and relatively easy access to the market.

“What is important now is for our businesses to take advantage of these conditions, understand the needs of Mozambican buyers and offer products that are competitively priced, reliable and suited to the market,” said Mr Majuru.

Mr Majuru also noted that buyers in Maputo, Beira and Tete had over the years shown confidence in the quality and reliability of Zimbabwean products, providing a solid base from which local companies can expand their presence.

FACIM has grown into one of Southern Africa’s major trade exhibitions, attracting more than 50 000 visitors, including exhibitors, investors, buyers, policymakers and business executives.

This year’s edition comes against the backdrop of strengthened relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with both countries increasingly focusing on practical measures to boost trade, investment and connectivity.

The inaugural Zimbabwe-Mozambique Bi-National Commission held in November last year saw the leadership of the two countries commit to initiatives aimed at improving the movement of goods and people.

Among the projects under consideration are the development of a dry port facility along the Beira Corridor, modernisation of the fuel pipeline and establishment of a one-stop border post at Forbes-Machipanda.

The two Governments have also committed to addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers in line with Sadc and African Continental Free Trade Area protocols.

For exporters, these developments present an opportunity to translate strong political and economic relations into tangible business.

FACIM 2026 will also provide local companies with direct access to potential buyers and partners while allowing them to better understand the Mozambican market.

Beyond product displays, the Fair offers exporters an opportunity to gather market intelligence, assess consumer preferences, track emerging industry trends and benchmark their products against competing brands.