• EU Business Forum in Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place from May 20 to May 22 2025
  • It will focus on horticulture and agro-processing, renewable energy, and the mining value chain.
  • An expected attendance of around 250 businesses from both Zimbabwe and Europe highlights the importance of this event

Harare-The European Union (EU) is set to host a business forum in Zimbabwe from 20 to 22 May 2025, focusing on key sectors driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth, including agriculture, renewable energy, and mining.

The forum aims to spotlight these crucial industries and will also cover cross-cutting topics such as financial services and transport logistics.

"The three-day event will target key sectors driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth, namely horticulture and agro-processing, renewable energy, and the mining value chain." EU said in a statement.

This initiative marks the first time the EU will organize such an event organised with Zimtrade and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).

The EU Delegation in Zimbabwe expects an attendance of around 250 businesses from both Zimbabwe and Europe.

Zimbabwe is a  strategic location in the Southern Africa, which provides access to a vast and expanding regional market that includes SADC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.

This advantageous positioning, coupled with the country’s rich natural resources and diverse mineral base, presents significant opportunities for international investment and trade.

Currently, annual trade between Zimbabwe and the EU amounts to approximately US$700 million, with a favourable balance for Zimbabwe.

The EU ranks as Zimbabwe’s fifth-largest trading partner and is the leading market for Zimbabwean horticultural exports.

There are no EU sanctions on Zimbabwe, and the country enjoys duty-free and quota-free access to EU markets.

However, Zimbabwe has not fully capitalized on these advantages due to low production levels.

Zimbabwe is eager for foreign investment, however human and property rights have hindered its progress.

Jobst von Kirchmann, the head of the EU delegation in Zimbabwe, emphasized in 2024 that while the EU can facilitate connections with potential investors, it is ultimately up to Zimbabwe to present itself as an attractive destination for investment.

"We are doing our utmost to bring companies here, but the government must also play its part to showcase Zimbabwe as a land of opportunities.

‘’Despite our efforts, I cannot dictate the decisions of investors. This is private capital, and it often follows specific logic related to opportunities we can present." he said.

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