Export opportunities for Zim in 2024

WITH the promise of new export avenues on the horizon, Zimbabwe stands ready to shatter barriers and defy the status quo.

It has a chance to seize opportunities in international trade to unlock its full potential on the global stage.

The air is filled with excitement and tension, marking a pivotal moment where Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurs and visionary leaders are about to guide the country to prosperity.

We must explore diversified markets and emerging industries that identify with export sectors in the current year.

Agricultural products

There is a wide variety of crops in 2024 with the potential to develop agriculture.

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Zimbabwe has a favourable climate on the one hand, and fertile soil on the other. Food cultivation is one such opportunity.

The production of sugarcane, cotton, and maize excites the markets.

Global demand for these products is inevitable although the country is a net importer at present.

Organic products cultivated in environmentally sustainable farms are highly sought after around the world.

Boosted by the fact that the country engages ecologically friendly farming, it is evident that Zimbabwe has an opportunity to reap from an increase in demand for farming outputs.

Organic farming plays a vital role in the empowerment of small-scale farmers.

Combine this with obtaining the necessary certifications and knowledge, small scale farmers stand to reap huge rewards.

In addition, there are diverse opportunities for green exports such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which have a higher potential in foreign trade.

Zimbabwe’s climate is good for developing a vast range of horticultural goods that people prefer in the local and international markets. Investment by the government in innovation, factories, storage, and infrastructure like roads enables the country to come first in regional competition and beyond.

Moreover, processed agricultural products could be leveraged to increase the export base.

Through value addition of raw agricultural produce, Zimbabwe will have an opportunity to receive new orders from shopping outlets. Using processing machines, technologies, abiding by international regulations and clients’ preferences is a key factor in ensuring that our products are purchased.

Agricultural exports in Zimbabwe include traditional cashews, blue-berries, citrus fruits, peas, beans, paprika, flowers and other high-value horticultural crops.

Zimbabwe can focus on a wise investment and sow a seed in sustainability and the quality of the agricultural sector to bring about economic growth.

 Renewable energy

Zimbabwe can be among the marketers of solar panels, solar water heaters, and so on.

With the advancement of the world’s green economy and the call for clean and renewable electricity, Zimbabwe is geared to fill the gap in regional and global markets.

In addition, Zimbabwe often experiences good rain and is endowed with several rivers, presenting an excellent option for electricity at a cheaper price through hydroelectric power generation.

Smart and futuristic investments in the hydro-infrastructure sector not only caters for domestic needs, but makes way for the future of exporting surplus electricity to neighbouring countries.

Through its hydropower development, Zimbabwe has the opportunity to stand out on the continent and contribute to energy security and sustainability, which is one of the most important goals of the southern Africa region.

On the other hand, for Zimbabwe wind energy is another opportunity.A large amount of wind is available.It can be harnessed by wind farms.

Another positive prospect in Zimbabwe is in the production of fertilisers from biomass energy.

A large quantity of biomass is livestock waste, crop residue, and waste used in the production of electricity.

This will have the added benefit of promoting the growth of the economy within those regions, where biomass is exploited.

Consequently, Zimbabwe might use its knowledge about energy efficiency and green building technologies since there is an increase in demand for emission-free technologies. The country should consider the exportation of its energy-saving materials and green building techniques to be a pacesetter in the low-carbon transition.

Taking advantage of natural resources, innovation and intellectual capital in Zimbabwe would be key to the transformation of the energy sector.

Well-executed strategic investments focusing on a sustained environment and renewable energy technology and trade can enable Zimbabwe to take its place as a leader in renewable technology.

Manufacturing and industrial goods

In 2024, the manufacturing and industrial goods sector of Zimbabwe has the potential to increase foreign trade.

In the contemporary era of trade, technical trends, and high competition, Zimbabwe is looking at industrialisation as a route to expand its national income by increasing export volumes.

Construction materials

Exporting construction materials and building products is a pathway that Zimbabwe’s construction industry presents.

Improvements on infrastructure development are taking place domestically and regionally, which is leading to the increasing demand for cement, steel, bricks and others.

Through purchasing up-to-date production facilities and integrating ecological solutions, Zimbabwe could position itself as a reliable construction materials supplier to the regional and African markets.

Furniture and wood products

With wood and furniture as abundant resources in Zimbabwe, opportunities are many.

Zimbabwe has artisans with the necessary skills and a history of craft, which will allow the country to export high-quality furniture and wood products to the global market.

By directing attention to innovation and sustainable woodland management practices, Zimbabwe can export to countries that support eco-friendly furniture and wood products.

In conclusion, 2024 presents impressive export prospects for Zimbabwe across agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing sectors.

• Galloway obtained a Bachelor of Economics-International Economics and Trade as well as diplomas in Business Finance, Business Communication, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Organisation. He is intrigued by the state of the different economies worldwide.