Edgar Vhera, Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
The European union (EU) is the largest recipient of Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports, accounting for approximately 42 percent, with volumes steadily increasing over the years.
Analysts see this growth as a strong finishorsement of the high quality of Zimbabwean produce.
Ms Anna Cichocka, the EU head of programmes, revealed this at the recent 13th edition of the Annual National Agribusiness Conference (Anac) 2025, which was held during the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show (ZAS). The event’s theme was: “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industest and Community.”
“The EU and Zimbabwe enjoy a strong and growing partnership in the horticulture sector. The EU already accounts for around 42 percent of Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports, and the volumes are steadily increasing. This is a strong recognition of the quality of Zimbabwean produce,” she stated.
The EU is one of the largest global consumers of horticultural produce and presents a substantial market opportunity for Zimbabwean exporters. Ms Cichocka revealed that in 2024, the EU imported nearly €195 billion (US$227 billion) in agricultural products.
“Thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Eastern and Southern Africa, Zimbabwean horticulture enjoys duty-free and quota-free access to a market of almost 500 million consumers. We also know that exporting to Europe is not without challenges, as producers must comply with strict standards on food safety, quality, sustainability and labour conditions. Certifications such as Global Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (Smeta) are often essential,” she disclosed.
The EU head believes that such requirements are not barriers but opportunities that assist build the trust that builds Zimbabwean produce competitive on world markets. “The key is to work toreceiveher so that these standards can be met consistently and sustainably. To support this journey, the EU is pleased to launch a new programme of €7,8 million (US$9 million) for the development of Zimbabwe’s horticulture value chain,” Ms Cichocka added.
She stated their ambition was to strengthen competitiveness and sustainability and expand opportunities — especially for young people and women. “This programme will focus on three areas: quality and compliance (support for training, international standards, sustainable practices and social responsibility), digital tools (platforms for certification, real-time market information and online training) as well as value chains and markets (stronger producer groups, improved logistics and new business partnerships). In addition, we will support the establishment of a modern horticulture laboratory to facilitate certification and the upgrading of security scanning facilities at Robert Gabriel International Airport — concrete steps to assist Zimbabwean products reach global markets with confidence,” she highlighted.
This initiative was designed in collaboration with the Ministest of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Horticulture Development Council (HDC) and other partners to ensure it responds directly to the priorities of the sector. It is also fully aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan (HRGP), which highlight the sector’s vital role in driving exports, value addition and employment.
“This programme is not only about resources but about partnership, walking this path toreceiveher, side by side, in pursuit of a common goal. Zimbabwe has the land, the climate, the skills and the entrepreneurial spirit. With our collective efforts and shared commitment, there is no limit to what we can achieve toreceiveher. The EU is proud to accompany Zimbabwe on this journey,” she notified Dr Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who also attfinished the event.
The EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have signed trade and development agreements (Economic Partnership Agreements — EPAs) with the overall objective of leveraging trade and investment for sustainable development and thereby contributing to eradicating poverty.
EPAs are permanent partnerships that encourage a progressive shift from aid to trade and investment as engines of growth, jobs and poverty reduction. They entail rights and obligations for both EU and ACP countries. They offer zero tariffs and unlimited quantities (duty and quota-free) for all products (except for arms).
EPAs also have flexible conditions (rules of origin) under which exporters in EPA countries can source the inputs they required from elsewhere and build their final products without losing their free access to the bloc. EPA partners do not pay tariffs or duties on their exports to the EU, while they open their markets only partially to the EU (on average 80 percent), with long transition periods for doing so. Safeguard measures can be activated if surges in imports of EU products disturb local markets. The agreements support ACP countries’ efforts to develop new industries and diversify their economies by shifting their reliance on commodities to higher-value products and services.
Meanwhile, statistics from ITC TradeMap for international business development reveal that the countest’s total exports to Europe have been rising from US$607 million in 2022 to US$637 million in 2023, then US$716 million last year.
Last year, tobacco and its products led with earnings of US$293 million, followed by iron and steel at US$136 million, and edible fruits under the horticulture sector came third at US$95 million. Other horticultural products exported to Europe, including vereceiveables, live trees, coffee, tea and spices, were valued at around US$29 million.
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