ZimTrade to boost business between Namibia and Zimbabwe… with private sector central to deepen economic relations

The trade relationship between Namibia-Zimbabwe is set for a fresh push as Zimbabwe’s national trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, prepares to bring exporters to Windhoek next week in a bid to convert longstanding commercial ties into concrete business deals. The three-day outward trade mission, scheduled for 7 to 9 October 2026, aims to target Namibia as a potential growth market for Zimbabwean products and services, while simultaneously opening opportunities for Namibian companies to access suppliers, expertise and partnerships from Zimbabwe.

The mission, led by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Namibia and undertaken in collaboration with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), will culminate in a Business Forum at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Rather than focusing solely on promoting Zimbabwean exports, the initiative is expected to test the depth of commercial opportunities between two economies that have historically maintained strong political and regional ties but still have considerable room to expand bilateral trade. Participating Zimbabwean businesses will target sectors including agriculture, alcoholic beverages, educational services, engineering, fast-moving consumer goods, stock feeds, horticulture and logistics.

These sectors could provide opportunities for Namibian importers, distributors and businesses seeking alternative suppliers, while Zimbabwean companies will gain direct access to potential buyers and commercial partners in Namibia.

Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, said the mission was intended to move bilateral economic relations beyond discussions and towards commercially viable partnerships.

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

“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.”

The emphasis on direct business-to-business engagement is significant, particularly for companies seeking to understand the practical requirements of entering the Namibian market.

ZimTrade Manager for the Southern Region Jacqueline Nyathi said the mission would allow Zimbabwean companies to gain a clearer understanding of Namibia while generating potential export and investment leads.

“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.

“Through these engagements, we hope to generate tangible leads and partnerships that can support the growth and regional expansion of Zimbabwean and Namibian companies.”

For Namibia, the initiative could broaden sourcing options for businesses and create additional avenues for private-sector collaboration. NCCI Chief Executive Officer Titus Nampala said the engagements could enable Namibian companies to identify new suppliers, markets and areas of cooperation.

“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,” he added.

While the sustained presence has provided Zimbabwean businesses with exposure to the Namibian market, the decision to stage a dedicated Zimbabwe-focused business event signals an attempt to move from exhibition-based exposure towards actual commercial transactions.

For Zimbabwean exporters, understanding Namibia’s regulatory environment, buyer preferences, distribution networks and priority industries are crucial to convert interest into sustainable market access. The mission will therefore also gather intelligence on market requirements that can inform future export-promotion initiatives.

For Namibian companies, the engagement offers an opportunity to examine Zimbabwean suppliers and service providers across a range of industries, potentially strengthening regional supply chains and reducing dependence on more distant markets.

The broader opportunity extends beyond individual transactions. Successful business linkages could lead to distribution agreements, joint ventures, service contracts, investment partnerships and expanded regional operations.

The three-day programme therefore places the private sector at the centre of efforts to deepen Namibia-Zimbabwe economic relations, with the Business Forum expected to provide the platform for companies to identify concrete opportunities.

With both countries seeking greater regional economic integration and stronger private-sector participation, the immediate test will be whether the Windhoek engagements generate actual orders, partnerships and investment leads rather than simply another round of diplomatic and business discussions.

– ebrandt@nepc.com.na

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