ZimTrade to Host Zimbabwe-China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyers Mission

ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organization, is set to host the Zimbabwe-China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyers Mission from April 8 to 10, 2025, in Chipinge. The event aims to strengthen Zimbabwe’s trade relations with China, one of the world’s largest and most lucrative markets.

The mission will bring together Zimbabwean avocado and macadamia producers with Chinese buyers, providing a significant opportunity to expand Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports to China. This follows the signing of the “Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China” at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing in September 2024. The agreement is expected to facilitate seamless exportation of fresh avocados from Zimbabwe to China, significantly boosting trade between the two nations.

ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru highlighted the significance of the mission, stating, “China represents a massive opportunity for Zimbabwean agriculture, and this mission will not only deepen our trade relations but also open doors for Zimbabwean producers to tap into a market that is rapidly growing in demand for high-quality agricultural products like avocados and macadamias.”

He further expressed confidence that the business connections established during the mission would result in significant trade deals benefiting both Zimbabwean producers and the broader economy.

China has emerged as Zimbabwe’s third-largest trading partner, a notable leap from its 13th position in 2019. In 2023, China imported US$151.2 million worth of avocados and US$22.7 million worth of macadamia nuts, with Zimbabwe contributing US$8.5 million to these figures. This increasing demand presents a lucrative opportunity for Zimbabwe’s avocado and macadamia industries to expand and diversify their export markets.

“China’s growing appetite for avocados and macadamias is not just a passing trend; it is a reflection of changing dietary habits and an increasing focus on healthy eating,” explained Similo Nkala, Director of Operations at ZimTrade. “This mission will allow us to directly engage with Chinese buyers who are looking for fresh, high-quality produce, and that’s exactly what Zimbabwe can offer.”

The event will commence with a seminar and business-to-business (B2B) networking session, allowing Zimbabwean avocado and macadamia producers to engage directly with a delegation of Chinese buyers. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products and establish meaningful trade relationships.

Following this, the mission will continue with farm and company visits over the next two days. These visits will provide Chinese buyers with a firsthand look at Zimbabwe’s farming practices and production capacity in the avocado and macadamia industries.

Beyond business activities, the mission will focus on knowledge exchange, enabling Zimbabwean producers to gain valuable insights into Chinese market trends, logistics requirements, and quality standards. Understanding these nuances will help Zimbabwean exporters navigate the complexities of the Chinese market more effectively.

ZimTrade is mobilizing avocado and macadamia exporters from Manicaland Province, where most of Zimbabwe’s production is based. The mission is expected to attract 70 companies from the region, alongside a delegation of four Chinese buyers. Key stakeholders, including government officials, logistics companies, and agricultural associations, will also play an integral role in ensuring the mission’s success.

“We are proud to bring together such a diverse group of participants for this mission,” said Admire Jongwe, ZimTrade’s Eastern Region Manager. “This is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, and we believe this event will help open the door to new business opportunities that will benefit the entire industry.”

As China’s demand for avocados and macadamia nuts continues to rise, this mission presents a valuable opportunity to build meaningful and lasting business relationships. It is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the country.