STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe has stepped up efforts to connect local farmers to international markets, playing a central role in the Zimbabwe–China Horticulture Buyers Engagement held in Mutare recently.
The three-day engagement, organised by ZimTrade, brought together local horticulture producers and Chinese buyers looking to establish supply partnerships with Zimbabwean farmers — a move seen as key to expanding the country’s export footprint.
Stanbic not only took part in the event but helped identify and mobilise buyers from China through its Africa China Banking unit, underlining its push to support clients beyond traditional financing.
The visiting Chinese delegation toured avocado, macadamia and blueberry farms, gaining first-hand insight into Zimbabwe’s production systems, export readiness and the capacity of the broader agricultural value chain.
Stanbic was represented by head of agribusiness Tawanda Maposah and head of Africa China Banking Tapuwa Nyika.
Maposah said the bank’s presence reflected a firm commitment to supporting clients by opening doors to global markets.
“We believe agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s growth and as a bank we are ready to support this pivotal sector. Engagements such as these are important because they help connect our farmers with credible international buyers, thereby unlocking export opportunities and improving value realisation for producers,” Maposah said.
He added that Zimbabwe has significant potential in horticulture exports, with stronger international linkages critical to unlocking that growth.
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Nyika said the initiative also speaks to the bank’s broader strategy of strengthening trade ties between Zimbabwe and China.
“We continue to support Zimbabwean businesses looking to trade with China. As part of our commitment, we have also written and launched practical resources such as the Exporters’ and Importers’ Guide to China, which helps local businesses better understand how to access the Chinese market,” Nyika said.
Some of the Chinese buyers who attended were identified through collaboration with the bank’s Beijing office, he added.
“Through our global network within the Standard Bank Group, including our office in Beijing, we were able to help identify and connect buyers with Zimbabwean producers. This is another testament to how our international network works for the benefit of our clients by opening doors to new markets,” he said.
Nyika said the initiative reflects the group’s wider commitment to driving growth in Zimbabwe and across the continent.
“By leveraging our international network, we are able to create real opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses to expand into global markets,” he added.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said the engagement marks an important step towards diversifying Zimbabwe’s exports, particularly as demand for organic produce rises in Asia.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Zimbabwean farmers, including smallholder and rural farmers, are producing top quality produce, and are well positioned in regional and global markets to contribute meaningfully towards national export growth,” he said.
“The feedback from the Chinese delegation on the quality of our blueberries and nuts has been exceptional, and the Buyers’ Engagement creates the direct linkages necessary to convert that interest into sustainable trade.”
