By Staff Writer
(Harare) – UK fresh produce buyers are heading to Zimbabwe to explore new sourcing opportunities and strengthen commercial links with the country’s horticulture sector.
From 26 September to 2 October 2026, four UK fresh produce trading businesses and importers will visit Zimbabwean agribusinesses, meeting producers directly on their farms and assessing their potential to supply the UK market. The visit builds on the successful trade mission held in March and is organised through the new Making Trade Happen (MTH) project, funded by the UK government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Over six days, buyers will get a first-hand look at how Zimbabwean producers grow, harvest and prepare fresh produce for export. Farm visits and business discussions will focus on the practical requirements for developing commercial relationships, including product quality, volumes, seasonality, supply schedules and export readiness.
Zimbabwe’s diverse horticulture offer will be at the centre of the mission, with products ranging from fine beans, mangetout and sugar snap peas to chillies including organic produce. Buyers will also explore opportunities across blueberries, avocados, oranges and other citrus fruits.
The mission comes at a time of growing opportunities for Zimbabwean horticulture exporters. Under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern African countries and the United Kingdom (ESA-UK EPA), eligible Zimbabwean products can access the UK market duty-free and quota-free, providing an important platform for producers seeking to expand their international business.
Increasing horticulture exports can also contribute to Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy II (NDS II) for 2026–2030 by supporting export earnings, business growth and employment opportunities across agricultural value chains.
The UK buyer mission will be followed just days later by another opportunity to connect Zimbabwean producers with international markets. Businesses supported by the Making Trade Happen project—including those participating in the UK trade mission—will travel to the Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid from 6 to 8 October, where they will showcase Zimbabwe’s horticulture offer and meet buyers from across Europe and other international markets.