eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), once solely focused on education, is now making waves in the world of international trade thanks to a fruitful partnership with ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation.
Collaboration between the two is transforming the university into a vibrant hub of innovative agriculture, with exports of rock melons already bearing sweet fruit.
Sweet Success with the Eden Chase Cluster:
CUT’s journey into export began in late 2023 with the Eden Chase Cluster Development Initiative. Joining the rock melon project, the university’s farm quickly produced more than 20 tonnes of premium melons, of which eight tonnes have already found their way to UAE.
“As of today about eight tonnes are already out of the country and this could go up to 30 tonnes” according to general farm manager, Oswell Ushe during a tour by ZimTrade officials on Wednesday.
This groundbreaking feat not only marks CUT’s first export but also highlights the immense potential of Zimbabwe’s horticultural sector.
For this project, CUT started with two hactares with each plant producing approximately four fruits averaging 3kgs per fruit, more than the global average of 2,5kgs.
A hectare requires approximately US$5,000 for production and can yield plus 40 tonnes.
CUT is contemplating expanding the hectarage and possibly engage other farmers for this lucrative crop.
Ushe said there are also locals who are enquiring about the melons and these include those who want to be outgrowers.
With an untapped global market for melons exceeding $1 billion, and a specific UAE potential of over $20 million, the future looks juicy for CUT and ZimTrade. Their collaboration is paving the way for Zimbabwe to claim its rightful share of this lucrative market.
In an interview on the sidelines of the tour, ZimTrade chief executive officer, Allan Majuru, said the project is testimony to the importance of export promotion events that ZimTrade help local exporters to participate in.
“The university managed to meat buyers when we had our Dubai outward mission last year in connection with Eden Chase thats when they met the buyers and in less than a year they are already exporting.
“What we then want to do is to look for other export opportunities in other markets,” Majuru said.
“What is also important is to diversify our markets and in two week’s time we are going to Berlin, Germany for the Fruit Logistica fair which one of the largest horticultural trade fairs globally and these guys are coming.
Beyond Melons: Expanding the Export Basket:
ZimTrade isn’t stopping at melons.
Recognising the vast export potential of other CUT projects, they’re working diligently to upscale production and refine operations for international markets. Livestock block production and cattle breeding programmes, identified for their significant export potential, are being primed for expansion, particularly in neighbouring countries like Botswana and Namibia.
Learning the Ropes of Export Mastery:
To further equip CUT for success, ZimTrade has enrolled the university in a series of capacity-building initiatives. The Horticulture Export Masterclass Program, in partnership with PUM (Netherlands), the Dutch Embassy, and CBZ, empowers CUT with the knowledge and skills needed to crack the demanding EU market. This includes a trade promotion visit to Europe and participation in the prestigious Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin, Germany, both happening in February/March 2024.
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Building a Floriculture Future:
CUT’s vision extends beyond fruits and livestock. In collaboration with PUM and ZimTrade, the university is establishing a dedicated Floriculture Center. This center will serve as a vibrant hub for knowledge sharing, training, and curriculum development, fostering a new generation of skilled floriculture professionals ready to take Zimbabwe’s flower industry to new heights.
Majuru said the Floriculture hub could be “up and running” by the end of this year.
The story of CUT and ZimTrade is one of transformation, opportunity, and shared success. It demonstrates the power of collaboration in unlocking previously untapped potential. As CUT’s export endeavors blossom, one thing is clear: Zimbabwe’s future is looking brighter, thanks to the homegrown innovation and the helping hand of a dedicated trade partner.
