Zim Businesses Set to Explore New Export Opportu...

Zim Businesses Set to Explore New Export Opportunities in Malawi

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwean businesses are gearing up to capitalise on new export opportunities in Malawi as ZimTrade leads a high-level trade delegation to Blantyre from May 13 to 15, 2025. This mission aims not only to boost exports but also to strengthen the country’s regional trade dominance and build long-term economic partnerships within Southern Africa.

With Malawi’s economy experiencing growth, particularly in agriculture and construction, Zimbabwean companies have a prime opportunity to establish themselves as key suppliers of agricultural inputs, fast-moving consumer goods, building materials, and packaging products. The trade mission will offer business-to-business meetings, factory visits, and a trade exhibition, providing Zimbabwean exporters direct access to decision-makers in Malawi’s business sector.

ZimTrade highlighted a significant increase in Zimbabwe’s exports to Malawi, which surged from US$11.1 million in 2022 to US$27.4 million in 2023. This growth reflects rising demand for products such as paper, mineral fuels, electrical machinery, and ceramics—sectors where Zimbabwean manufacturers have become more competitive.

Malawi’s exports to Zimbabwe also showed growth, increasing from US$50.1 million in 2022 to US$51.1 million in 2023, with tobacco, wood, and arts and crafts leading the trade. The long-standing Preferential Bilateral Trade Agreement between the two countries, along with their membership in COMESA and SADC, ensures that Zimbabwean goods enter Malawi duty-free and quota-free, making them more affordable and attractive to Malawian buyers.

This year’s mission goes beyond simply increasing export figures. ZimTrade aims to enhance market intelligence, foster investment collaborations, and explore joint ventures that will establish sustainable supply chains. Zimbabwean businesses will have the chance not only to sell products but also to gain valuable insights into Malawian consumer behavior, allowing them to tailor their offerings to the local market.

ZimTrade is encouraging local companies to seize this rare opportunity to strengthen cross-border trade relations. With Zimbabwe's geographical proximity to Malawi and the ongoing success of previous trade missions, Zimbabwean businesses are well-positioned to dominate key sectors in Malawi’s growing economy.