Zimbabwe is making a concerted effort to expand its presence in the Namibian market, with its national trade promotion body, ZimTrade, preparing to bring exporters from key sectors to Windhoek next month. The three-day Outward Trade Mission, scheduled for October 7-9, 2026, aims to secure new buyers, distributors, and commercial partners for Zimbabwean products and selected services in Namibia. This initiative builds on ZimTrade's previous participation in the Windhoek Agricultural and Commercial Show over the past three years.
The trade mission will include a Business Forum in Windhoek, bringing together Zimbabwean and Namibian companies for direct business-to-business engagements. The goal is to identify market access opportunities, export leads, and potential partnerships. The mission is a collaborative effort between the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Namibia, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). Various sectors, including agriculture, alcoholic beverages, and logistics, are expected to participate.
Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, emphasized that the mission aims to move commercial relations between the two countries beyond discussions and towards practical business opportunities. The event will provide a platform for Zimbabwean and Namibian businesses to identify areas of cooperation and create stronger commercial linkages. This, in turn, is expected to expand market access and encourage partnerships that can contribute to increased trade and investment between the two countries.
ZimTrade's Manager for the Southern Region, Jacqueline Nyathi, highlighted the importance of direct engagement with Namibian businesses in helping Zimbabwean companies identify opportunities in the local market. The mission will give Zimbabwean companies a chance to showcase their products and services directly to Namibian buyers, importers, and distributors. ZimTrade will also use the visit to gain a better understanding of the Namibian market, including buyer requirements and regulatory requirements.
The trade 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 noted that such engagements can strengthen networks within the private sector while opening opportunities for businesses to expand. The initiative can contribute to business growth, strengthen commercial networks, and create opportunities for increased trade between Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The Business Forum will 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 expects the information gathered during the mission to help Zimbabwean exporters better understand the Namibian market and respond more effectively to local business requirements.
The trade mission is a significant step towards strengthening 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. The mission is expected to yield tangible business leads and partnerships that could support the expansion of companies from both countries into regional markets.
Key points
- Zimbabwe's ZimTrade to lead three-day trade mission to Namibia from October 7-9, 2026.
- The mission aims to secure new buyers, distributors, and commercial partners for Zimbabwean products and selected services in Namibia.
- The trade mission is a collaborative effort between the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Namibia, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).
