Value-added exports jump 29%

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

Zimbabwe’s value-added exports increased by 29% to US$522m during the 11 months to November 2025, up from US$404m in the corresponding period in 2024, as the country intensifies its bias towards beneficiated goods.

The surge is expected to improve export earnings, create jobs and strengthen the country’s competitiveness. Authorities estimate that while Zimbabwe currently earns about US$9bn from exports, sustained value addition could lift earnings beyond US$30bn over time.

In a statement, ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, said initiatives to boost productive capacity and competitiveness are already yielding results.

“Notably, 2025 has seen significant growth in value-added exports, which increased by 29% from US$404m between January and November 2024 to US$522m during the same period in 2025.

The shift from raw commodities to products with higher levels of processing has become an essential part of Zimbabwe’s growth narrative, supporting better earnings, job creation and long-term competitiveness.

Additionally, this shift fosters product diversification, which is essential in a sustainable export-led economy, as it drives innovation and mitigates against global shocks, including price volatility,” ZimTrade said.

Targeted market-development efforts are also increasing sector participation in international trade, reinforcing the country’s broader export-led growth strategy.

ZimTrade said 2025 export performance reflects deepening structural changes aligned with Vision 2030.

“As the nation accelerates its push toward an export-driven economy aligned with Vision 2030, recent trade data reflects significant structural improvements resulting from the Second Republic’s transformation agenda.

According to data released by ZimStat, cumulative export earnings for January–November 2025 totaled US$8.57bn, a 27% increase from US$6.74bn in the corresponding period in 2024.

This upward momentum has played a pivotal role in narrowing the national trade deficit, which decreased by 69%, falling from US$2.1bn in 2024 to US$644m.

All this data signals a positive move toward a more balanced, export-led economy,” ZimTrade said.

Notably, export performance in October and November 2025 set new monthly records, with exports reaching US$1bn in each month. The results exceeded expectations and positioned Zimbabwe among the leading export performers in the SADC region.

Based on current trends, merchandise exports are expected to reach around US$9.12bn by year-end, surpassing the national target of US$8.1bn. This would see total exports accounting for roughly 19% of Zimbabwe’s GDP in 2025.

ZimTrade said the performance reflects growing strength in productive sectors, firming global demand for Zimbabwean goods and the deliberate shift towards value addition promoted by the Second Republic.

Service exports also recorded solid growth, totaling US$485.6m, up 12% from US$434.1m in 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s focus on economic diplomacy and strengthened bilateral relations, alongside ZimTrade initiatives, has opened new avenues for local exporters.

The United Arab Emirates remained Zimbabwe’s top export destination, with exports rising to US$4.16bn in 2025 from US$2.46bn in 2024, largely anchored by gold, which saw a sharp increase in value.

South Africa continued to be a key trading partner, accounting for 22.8% of total exports, while China ranked third with a 16.9% share. ZimTrade said there is significant potential for further growth through enhanced cooperation with China in commodities such as citrus and avocados.

Within the SADC region, Mozambique and Zambia recorded export growth rates of 13% and 1.8%, respectively, underscoring the impact of targeted trade activities. Beyond the region, ZimTrade, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, successfully pursued new markets in 2025, including Uganda, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Spain, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.

The agency said actively pursuing new markets diversifies the export basket and mitigates risks from global crises and political instability, fostering a more resilient export-led economy.

Sector-wise, the building and construction materials segment continued to post some of the strongest growth across all categories. Exports surged by 292%, rising from US$24.5m in 2024 to US$96.3m in 2025. Key products included semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel products valued at US$45m, followed by iron and steel bars and rods, forged and twisted, uncoiled, at US$21m. The growth reflects increased local steel production capacity and rising regional construction activity.

Manufactured tobacco exports grew by 17.5% to US$109m in 2025 from US$93m in the same period in 2024, reflecting continued investment in processing and a gradual shift towards higher-value products.

Another notable improvement was recorded in agricultural inputs and implements, with exports rising by 15% to US$39.9m in November 2025, up from US$34.7m in 2024. Major products included maize seed, fruits and spores used for sowing.

Arts and crafts exports also increased, rising from US$10.5m to US$13.1m in 2025, driven largely by exports of zoological collections and collectors’ pieces.

However, not all sectors performed strongly. Unmanufactured tobacco exports declined by 3.9% to US$1.12bn in 2025 from US$1.7bn in 2024. Despite the drop, the sector remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest foreign-currency earners, accounting for 13.1% of total exports.

Processed food exports fell from US$99.4m between January and November 2024 to US$88.8m in 2025, while hides and skins exports declined to US$21.2m from US$26.7m over the same period.

Pharmaceutical exports also contracted, falling by 28% to US$3.6m in 2025, highlighting the need for further investment to build competitiveness in higher-value manufacturing sectors.