European Union Zimbabwe Business Forum: 20 to 22 May 2025

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), ZimTrade and Zimbabwe Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) are planning a collaboration with the European Union delegation to the Republic of Zimbabwe and European Union member state to host a Business Forum from the 20th to the 22nd of May 2025.

The Initiative aims to promote trade and investment between the EU and Zimbabwe under the framework of the Global Gateway. The second Republic has been running under the mantra ” Zimbabwe is Open for business” and has managed to create conducive environment for investment in the country . Noteworthy, the EU offers a multi-sector range of financial guarantees to de-risk investments, thus supporting private European investors to explore opportunities in challenging markets, particularly in Africa and the EU Neighborhood.

Focus Sectors are: –

• Horticulture and Agro-processing
• Renewable Energy
• Mining Value Chain

Cross-Cutting Sectors are:-

• Financial Services
• Transport and Logistics
• Technical and Vocational Education and Training

What is Global Gateway ?

Global Gateway is the EU’s initiative to leverage investments in large-scale infrastructure projects in five main sectors i.e. Climate and Energy, Transport, Digital, Health and Education &Reasearch. Global Gateway will mobilze up to 300 billion Euros in global infrastructure investments between 2021 and 2027, with 150 billion Euros targeting Africa. The EU will work in a Team Europe approach together with member states, European financial institutions and private sector to leverage investments.

Why Explore Zimbabwe as an Investment ?

• Zimbabwe is strategically located in Southern Africa, with access to a large and growing regional market (SADC,COMESA, AfCTA) and contributing significantly to regional trade and connectivity.
• The country is rich in natural resources, including an abundant and diverse mineral resources , including an abundant and diverse mineral resources base;
• There are opportunities for investment in agriculture, infrastructure development, manufacturing, tourism and other services;
• Government is making efforts to improve the business environment. An array of fiscal incentives that inventors can enjoy have been put in place including tax holidays, duty free importation of raw materials, intermediate products, equipment and machinery.

Follow the link for more information: https://zidainvest.com/why-zimbabwe/

Why Attend?

Do you fall in this category: –

• A European company looking to invest or trade in the horticulture and agro-processing, renewable energy, mining value chain, financial services, transport and logistics and TVET sectors in Zimbabwe
• A European company already operating in Africa and looking to expand their presence in Zimbabwe but not sure where to start?
• A Zimbabwean business exploring EU market opportunities and seeking EU partners:
• A European development Financial Institution, invest fund seeking new projects and investment opportunities?
• Interested in gaining deeper insights into dynamics of doing business in Zimbabwe.

What to expect from the Forum?

A three- day (hybrid on day 1) event structures as follows:

• Day 1: Conference, sector specific sessions + semiformal welcome cocktail- High level business conference for EU companies to gain a deeper understanding of the Zimbabwean businesses environment and investment climate.
• Day 2: B2B, B2G Meeting + main reception – Pre-arranged meeting between local business, Government and EU business es to explore potential partnerships, joint ventures, and trade & investment opportunities; networking with key stakeholders including high level policy makers, business regulators, government officials, sector representative organization, and industry experts.
• Day 3: Fields visits – To successful projects/businesses and local business hubs/special economic zones. (Additional field visits and meetings beyond day 3 will be facilitated on request).
• A platform for EU companies to display their products and services on day 1 & 2, as well as for businesses with feasible projects to pitch to financial institutions and equity investors. Limited spaces will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Support from the EU Delegation:

The EU Delegation, in coordination with the EU Members States, will:

• Provide a platform for EU companies to promote their businesses and expertise;
• Organize, together with national partners, contacts between European and Zimbabwean companies through structures B2B networking events;
• facilitate on-site visits to successful projects/business and local business hubs/special economic zones

Participation to the Forum will be free of charge. The EU Delegation to Zimbabwe will cover the costs for the exhibition space for participating EU companies, whilst the EU companies are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation cost.

Post Business Forum Services

• Follow-up Assistance- EU Business will be supported in maintaining connections established during the mission through follow-up communication and networking events. This will increase the likelihood of long-term partnerships and investments in Zimbabwe
• Opportunity Monitoring- Regularly updates will be shared with EU businesses, Business support organizations, Chamber of Commerce on new opportunities, policy changes, and insights from Zimbabwe after the mission.

Contact Information:

European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe

Programme Manager: Tsitsi H. Whata

Email address: DELEGATION-ZIMBABWE-PRIVATE-SECTOR-AND-TRADE@eeas.europa.eu