Zim Exporters Urged To Target UAE Markets

By Andile Vundla

Zimbabwean exporters have been urged to move beyond raw commodity exports and increase the production of value-added goods and services as they seek to penetrate international markets.

The call comes ahead of the Zimbabwe Business Council (ZIBCO) Exporters Indaba, which will be held in Bulawayo on Wednesday, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) being positioned as an important market and gateway to the wider global economy. The event will focus on export readiness, market access, logistics and opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, ZIBCO-UAE Board Member Wadzanayi Phiri said Zimbabwean businesses need to look beyond exporting commodities and develop products that can compete in international markets.

“We want exporters to move beyond exporting commodities to value-added products and services,” Phiri said.

She said through Indaba, ZIBCO also seeks to connect Zimbabwean businesses with UAE-based companies while providing information to businesses seeking to operate or export into the market.

“We will be able to support them by connecting them, we’ll inform them, we’ll be a source of credible information if they want to operate or export in the UAE,” said Phiri.

The ZIBCO Exporters Indaba being held in collaboration with ZB Bank and sponsored by Rainbow Tourism Group, will bring together exporters, manufacturers, business leaders and strategic partners to explore practical ways of accessing international markets with discussions expected to cover logistics, export readiness and market entry.

Phiri further encouraged exporters to become members of ZIBCO-UAE to access business networks, market information and support when seeking to enter the UAE market.

“We will be able to support them by connecting them, inform them and be a source of credible information if they want to operate or export in the UAE,” she said.

The push also comes as the UAE remains a major destination for Zimbabwean exports. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency data for September 2025, showed that UAE accounted for 49.8% of the country’s total export value during that month.

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