This comes after Zimbabwean companies sealed deals worth US$15 million at the previous IATF held in South Africa in 2021.
ZimTrade has facilitated the participation of over 25 diversified companies at the Cairo IATF, which runs from November 9 to 15.
According to ZimTrade chief executive, Allan Majuru, the companies will capitalise on the growing appetite for local products across Africa.
“Following intensive export promotion campaigns and market linkages programmes we have carried out across Africa, there is an awakening realisation of the high quality for Zimbabwean products, and this is driving demand.
Allan Majuru, ZimTrade chief executive officer.
“Leading buyers from all regions of Africa have confirmed a huge appetite for Zimbabwean products, and participating companies will capitalise on this to unlock new markets on the continent,” Majuru said.
Allan Majuru, ZimTrade chief executive officer.
He pointed out that Zimbabwean manufacturers would take the opportunity to identify suppliers of raw materials, which they have been sourcing from other continents.
“There is a reality that some countries in Africa are exporting, to other continents, crucial raw materials that are required by our manufacturers in Zimbabwe.
“The fair is another window for Zimbabwean companies to identify their suppliers, which is expected to lower their operational costs when they start importing these raw materials at low cost using existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,” Majuru said.
The Zimbabwean exhibitors will also participate in a business forum with Egyptian businesses to further strengthen private sector linkages between the two countries.
“We have organised a first of its kind at the IATF, a business forum with the host country to ensure optimum benefit for participating companies.
“This will be an excellent opportunity for Zimbabwe to present its trade, investment, and tourism opportunities to Egyptian businesses, which is expected to boost bilateral trade relations between our two countries.
“Business-to-business meetings have also been arranged between participating companies from Zimbabwe and leading distributors in Egypt, and this will bridge the gap between our private sector players,” Majuru said.
Participating companies are drawn from sectors with potential across Africa such as horticulture, processed foods, construction and engineering, cosmetics and personal hygiene, and arts and crafts.
Other companies are involved in mineral beneficiation, agriculture inputs, leather and leather products, as well as services such as banking and finance, administration, and marketing.
Agro-processor Glytime said IATF brings several opportunities that will boost production, attract funders, and connect with leading distributors.
“We observed that there is a growing concern of health and wellness, which has become a social value within the continent, which poses an opportunity for our brand to thrive.
“Africa is opening up as one unified market, and this is helping us to create strong linkages that will grow our brands across Africa.
“As a youth-owned business, there are also vast opportunities for funding at IATF and we are hoping to connect with potential partners that will help us scale up our operation,” Glytime founder, Lesley Marange, said.
Chif African Jewells managing director, Joseph Chifamba, described the exhibition as a platform to enhance business linkages.
“IATF provides us a good platform for business linkages, and I am hoping to clinch some good orders and sales,” he said.
IATF was established to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area by bridging the gap between exporters and importers on the continent.
It consists of a seven-day trade show that provides a platform for sharing trade, investment, and market information to enable buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.
IATF also provides an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their goods and services and for organising B2B exchanges to provide trade and market information and conclude business deals.
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