eBusiness Weekly
Kudzanai Sharara in Zambia
The quality of local products currently on exhibition at the ongoing Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show (ZACS) is very high and it won’t be a surprise if the exhibitors clinch deals to supply the Zambian market.
This was said on Saturday by Zimbabwe’s representative to Zambia, Her Excellency Ambassador Charity Charamba after touring the Zimbabwe Pavilion that houses approximately 30 local firms that are exploring export opportunities at Zambia’s largest trade exhibition event.
Ambassador Charamba was particularly impressed by the nature of products on display, some of which are made from natural resources such as Baobab tree fruits (mawuyu).
“My impression here is that Zimbabwe is doing very well, Zimbabwe is innovative,” she said.
The theme for the 94th edition of ZACS is, “Innovation Through Technology”
Another aspect that caught the Ambassador’s eye was the demographics of the exhibiting firms with youth, women, and Bulawayo firms dominating.
Women, youth and Bulawayo firms usually play second fiddle to men led businesses and those that operate from Harare.
“I have seen that those who came from Bulawayo are doing so well in their various industries. I have seen youth, that are also doing so well and I am really excited that we have youth who are innovative and who have actually come up with products that are amazing,” said Ambassador Charamba.
She singled out 24 year old Ngonidzaishe Mazhura director of Thandie’s Village who is producing baobab range of products.
“I had never imagined in my entire life that we could come up with products for the face, for various things (from baobab fruits).”
Afrostain Farmtech, a smart farming solutions enterprise is another youth-led enterprises that impressed the Ambassador.
Ambassador Charamba encouraged youth to emulate those that have taken a step to not only produce products but to also venture into the export market.
According to Zimtrade, which facilitated the participation of Zimbabwean firms, at least seven are led by youth with several led by young women.
Ambassador Charamba, who was accompanied by Zimtrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru, applauded the country’s trade development and promotion body for coordinating manufacturers and SMEs to exhibit at such platforms as ZACS.
She said the large number of firms that are exhibiting at ZACS, is testimony that trade between the two countries can be enhanced.
Ambassador Charamba said the tour she had was an eye opener as the embassy can now tap into the knowledge of some of the companies that are already exporting to Zambia such as Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed firms Tanganda, Turnall, and Dairibord.
“We are in the process of developing a data base of all the Zimbabwe companies that are trading here so that we know to what extent (local products have penetrated the Zambian market).
Zimtrade says the positive feedback on Zimbabwe will be used to springboard more local products into the neighbouring country
Meanwhile some of the exhibiting firms (names withheld) confirmed clinching deals to supply big retail outlets such as Pick n Pay in Zambia.
Some are seriously considering setting up base in Zambia following the “overwhelming” response to their products at the ongoing ZACS which ends on Tuesday.
