AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers Each has an online edition The latest official figures reveal a promising trajectory for exports
Earnings rose by 15,6% to US$3,9 billion in the first half, compared to the same period in 2024 This growth, powered by increased shipments of processed goods, metals, and agricultural products, helped narrow the trade deficit by 16% to US$1,03 billion While the numbers are encouraging, they also expose deep-rooted structural weaknesses that continue to hamper Zimbabwe’s potential to build a diversified trade economy Manufactured goods led the surge, with export earnings rising by 18%, buoyed by strong performances in tobacco, construction materials, and packaging
Semi-finished iron and steel exports posted a dramatic 264% increase, reaching US$46,9 million Tobacco, long a cornerstone of foreign earnings, rose by 30,6% to US$56,4 million Meanwhile, exports of hides and skins jumped by 51,8% to US$17,1 million These gains show that when policy support and investment align, results follow
But beneath the surface lies a more sobering reality: Zimbabwe’s export basket remains heavily skewed toward raw and semi-processed minerals Gold and other alloy exports rose by 21,8% to US$3,1 billion, with gold alone nearly doubling to US$1,8 billion While this injection of foreign currency is welcome, it also reveals the country’s continued overreliance on commodities vulnerable to global price shocks Zimbabwe cannot afford to keep exporting its mineral wealth in raw or semi-processed form
The opportunity cost is staggering Billions of dollars in potential value addition are being forfeited Government must move beyond rhetoric and enact robust policies to incentivise local beneficiation Without this, the economy will remain exposed, and future generations will inherit the consequences of squandered potential
Encouraging signs of trade diversification are beginning to emerge The United Arab Emirates has overtaken traditional markets to become Zimbabwe’s top export destination, absorbing US$1,85 billion — nearly half of all exports — largely through gold shipments Exports to the Netherlands surged by 47%, driven by horticulture and processed goods.
Source: Theindependent
