UK and EU Buyers to Tour Zimbabwean Horticulture Businesses in Export Drive

By Percy Nhara

Harare – Eight buyers from the United Kingdom and European Union are set to visit 11 Zimbabwean farm and food businesses from 2–7 March 2026 as part of a trade mission aimed at boosting horticulture exports.

The visit is organised under the UK Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), funded by the UK government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The buyers will meet producers in Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, and Midlands provinces.

Boosting trade and economic growth

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen trade links between Zimbabwe and the UK, increase foreign currency earnings, and create jobs in the agriculture sector. By connecting Zimbabwean horticulture businesses to UK and EU markets, the programme supports Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy II (NDS II) for 2026–2030, which prioritises economic growth, export diversification, and resilience.

Zimbabwean goods can enter the UK tariff-free under the Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern African countries and the United Kingdom (ESA-UK EPA), giving local exporters a competitive advantage.

Building on Fruit Logistica momentum

The trade mission follows Zimbabwe’s participation at Fruit Logistica in Germany earlier this year, where eight exporters showcased their produce with support from UKTP, ZimTrade, and the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).

In preparation, participating businesses received coaching on improving product presentation and marketing to meet international standards.

Products on showcase

The exporters will present a range of horticulture products, including:

• Peas and mangetout (snow peas)

• Rock melons (cantaloupe)

• Victoria pineapples

• Chillies

If successful, the mission could lead to supply agreements with buyers in some of the world’s most competitive fresh produce markets.

Farm visits and reception

The programme will begin with visits to farms in Harare, followed by an official welcome reception at the British Embassy, where buyers will meet additional farmers from across Zimbabwe.

The delegation will then travel to Mutorashanga, Mvurwi, Chegutu, Shurugwi, and Mutare to meet participating agribusinesses.

Participating agribusinesses

The 11 businesses include:

• Kacholo

• Kuminda

• Takura Farm

• Avomac Farm

• Forrester Estate

• Navaco

• Agrilikimo Farmers

• Procitru Pvt Ltd

• Edenchase Pvt Ltd

• Surrey Group / Tanaka

• Dodhill

Interviews with buyers will be available in Harare on 2 or 7 March. Interviews with farmers can be arranged separately upon request. The mission reflects growing efforts to integrate Zimbabwean small and medium-sized enterprises into global value chains while strengthening agricultural exports.

Zimbabwe horticulture trade mission