EU, Team Europe, Wrap Up Successful Week at ZITF 2026
The European Union’s return to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo for the fourth consecutive year culminated in a historic achievement as Team Europe was honored with the award for Supreme International Exhibitor. This prestigious recognition marks the third time the EU has secured the top international prize, impressively signaling four consecutive years of awards at the fair. Presenting a unified and expanded presence, this year’s pavilion brought together the European Union Delegation and a record number of EU Member States—including contributions from France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, and Denmark—representing European member states, businesses, cultural institutes, and implementing partners of various #TeamEurope projects underway in Zimbabwe.
European Union, 2026
European Union, 2026
The pavilion served as a distinguished destination for high-level engagement, receiving visits from H.E. the President of Zimbabwe, as well as the Guest of Honour, President Duma Boko of Botswana. The stand also welcomed a wealth of high-level visitors, including the Minister of ICT, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera; Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Haritatos; he Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Tafadzwa Muguti; Chief Dakamela of Nkayi; the CEO of ZimTrade, Allan Majuru; and the heads of development partners such as UNDP Resident Representative Ayodele Odusola and FAO Subregional Coordinator Patrice Talla. Other notable guests included the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Province, Mr. Paul Nyoni; Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda and Chief Director Nesbert Samu to name a few.
Reflecting the ZITF theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” the pavilion highlighted deep-rooted economic ties anchored by the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). As EU Ambassador Katrin Hagemann stated: “Our partnership delivers real results. With trade reaching USD 919 million last year, we are closing in on the USD 1 billion mark—driving jobs and growth". This win-win relationship is most visible in agriculture, where the EU remains Zimbabwe’s primary buyer of horticultural produce, currently absorbing over 40% of total exports, including blueberries and citrus. To further unlock potential, the EU launched a €7.8 million capacity-building project specifically to support the export horticulture sector.
Beyond trade, the EU demonstrated its long-term commitment to investment through intermediate lending facilities totaling over USD 100 million extended to local commercial banks like CABS, FCB, NMB, and Stanbic over the past five years. This structured engagement is central to the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which also supports critical infrastructure like the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam to safeguard energy security and facilitate a transition toward a greener economy.
European Union, 2026
The pavilion also focused heavily on the next generation, receiving a significant number of young visitors at the Team Europe Youth Sounding Board and Erasmus+ stands. These platforms provided a practical space for young people to learn about educational and professional opportunities, reflecting the EU’s integrated approach to youth empowerment. This broad partnership across sectors—including climate action, biodiversity, health, and gender equality—ensures that development remains both inclusive and sustainable as the EU continues to accompany Zimbabwe toward its ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
