By Tendai Chisiri
The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Zimbabwe in the horticulture sector.
Speaking at the 13th Annual National Agribusiness Conference on Wednesday which is held during the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show by National Economic Conference Forum , Ms. Anna Cichoka, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, highlighted the significant market opportunity the EU presents for Zimbabwean exporters.
Key Highlights of EU-Zimbabwe Partnership
- Duty-Free Access: Zimbabwean horticulture enjoys duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market of almost 500 million consumers, thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Trade Volume: The EU is the largest buyer of Zimbabwe’s horticultural products, purchasing over 40% of the country’s exports in this sector, with bilateral trade reaching $700 million.
- Investment: The EU has provided significant funding, including a $100 million credit line through the European Investment Bank, to support SMEs and catalyze growth in horticulture and renewable energy.
- Development Portfolio: The EU’s current development portfolio in Zimbabwe stands at nearly $600 million, focusing on priority areas such as climate-smart agriculture, food security, and youth empowerment .
Future Prospects
The EU aims to deepen its economic ties with Zimbabwe, with a goal of reaching $1 billion in trade and investment. The partnership is expected to benefit from the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which promotes sustainable infrastructure and inclusive development through public and private investment.
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