Staff Reporter
The European Union (EU) has returned to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo for the third year running, this time with an even bigger footprint, a sharper focus on private sector partnerships, and a bold message: “SILANI, TINEMI, EU WITH YOU.”
Fresh off back-to-back wins for Best and Most Outstanding Foreign Display, the EU’s #TeamEurope Pavilion has once again emerged as one of the largest and most dynamic international stands at the fair.
With representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Romania, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Belgium, the Pavilion is a powerful showcase of European cooperation and commitment to sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
In a press statement yesterday, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann highlighted that this year they are placing the private sector at the heart of our engagement.
“Through our Global Gateway strategy, we are showing that business development is a key driver of job creation, innovation, and prosperity. We are here to partner with Zimbabwe for long-term, sustainable growth,” he said.
The EU’s Global Gateway initiative, relaunched at this year’s ZITF under the theme “The European Union and Zimbabwe: Partnering for Inclusive and Sustainable Business Development”, is designed to enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development in partner countries.
This aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), particularly this year’s ZITF theme: “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape”.
Ambassador Von Kirchmann noted that one of the highlights of this year’s EU presence was the announcement of the upcoming EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum, scheduled for 20–22 May 2025 in Harare.
The forum aims to bring together key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to explore new investment frontiers.
“Zimbabwe is a priority partner. Our financial institutions have extended over €90 million to Zimbabwean banks in the past three years. These funds, channelled through the European Investment Bank and Proparco, support trade finance, credit facilities, and guarantees to boost local business growth.
“The EU-Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) also remains a vital tool. It allows Zimbabwean businesses to export to Europe on a 100% duty-free, quota-free basis while enabling the duty-free importation of machinery from the EU. Currently, EU-Zimbabwe trade stands at USD 700 million, with a positive balance in Zimbabwe’s favour, thanks largely to booming horticultural exports,” he explained.
Throughout the week, the Pavilion will also host interactive engagements led by Global Gateway Ambassadors; Feli Nandi, Mary Anibal, Rumbi Takawira, and Asaph, who will interact with visitors and highlight initiatives supporting youth, women, and climate-friendly businesses.
From funding mechanisms to trade insights, the #TeamEurope Pavilion is designed to be more than just an exhibition space; it is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.
“This is more than a display. It is a meeting point for partnerships that will shape Zimbabwe’s economic future. We invite all visitors to come, learn, and engage with us,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
As the EU’s presence at ZITF 2025 continues to grow, so does the potential for deeper trade ties and inclusive development, a vision rooted in solidarity and shared prosperity.
