Zimbabwe targets Uganda trade surge

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe is aggressively pursuing expansion into the East African trade arena, with ZimTrade concluding a comprehensive market scan in Uganda on March 5, 2025. This initiative, spanning from February 24, focused on pinpointing lucrative export opportunities within key sectors, including processed foods, manufacturing, protective clothing, and building materials.

This strategic move aligns with Zimbabwe's broader ambition to penetrate non-traditional markets and leverage the advantages offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The market scan in Uganda is a crucial step in this direction, aiming to unlock new avenues for Zimbabwean businesses.

ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru, emphasized the significance of the market scan, stating that it provided "valuable insights for Zimbabwean businesses looking to enter the Ugandan market." He elaborated, "This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations with Uganda and ensure local exporters capitalize on opportunities presented by regional agreements."

The market scan facilitated direct connections between Zimbabwean businesses and Ugandan distributors, manufacturers, and key industry players. "The information gathered will help our exporters understand market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements in Uganda, ensuring a smooth entry into the market," Mr. Majuru explained.

Uganda's import market has witnessed substantial growth, surging from US$9.09 billion in 2021 to US$11.78 billion in 2023, indicating a robust and expanding economy. Simultaneously, Zimbabwean exports to Uganda have shown encouraging trends, and the recent market scan is expected to further catalyze this growth.

A significant boost to trade efficiency is the recent launch of direct flights between Harare and Entebbe by Uganda Airlines. This development is poised to significantly reduce logistical costs and streamline cargo movement, enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwean exports.

Sectors such as personal protective equipment (PPE), processed foods, building materials, and citrus are particularly well-positioned to capitalize on Uganda's burgeoning demand. The construction sector, driven by rapid urbanization and extensive infrastructure projects, presents a wealth of opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters. Additionally, Uganda's expanding middle class has fueled a growing appetite for processed food products, while the country's thriving agricultural sector offers a promising market for high-quality citrus.