This article has been prepared by Daniella Byishimo based on a travel report provided by James Scuderi, a key participant.

Australian trade delegation becomes the first trade delegation to visit Zimbabwe in 23 years.  

Earlier in 2024, a small, enterprising group of Australian business people, scientists and Zimbabwean diaspora, ventured to Zimbabwe for what was later coined as the first trade delegation to the country in 23 years. The trip was arranged following a number of meetings held between attendees and Zimbabwean Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Ambassador Joe Mhishi. The investigatory trip was put together with great assistance from the Zimbabwean Embassy in Canberra and the additional support and warm welcome of Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Minoli Pererra at her residence in Harare. 

Upon landing in Harare the delegation were greeted by a large contingent of media who were excited for the arrival of what is now known (unbeknown at the time) as the first business and trade-oriented delegation to Zimbabwe in 23 years. The media interest was further demonstrated by the delegation being printed on front-pages of all major newspapers, complimented by the exceptional support from the Zimbabwean Department of Foreign Affairs in greeting arrivals at the newly built (and wonderfully designed) Robert Mugabe International Airport. Unfortunately, the delegation missed their highly anticipated visit to the newly built Dinton iron and Steel plant. The Dinton Steel Plant is  an asset owned and developed by the Chinese metals giant, Tsingshan Holding, and has recently begun production and export to neighbouring African countries, marking the beginning of an important industrial advancement for the rapidly developing nation.

After a short stay in Harare, the delegation took a flight to the city of  Bulawayo, where they would converge and meet at the ZITF (Zimbabwean International Trade Fair) for a range of meetings, including the Livestock Sciences faculty and University executive of the Chinhoyi University, ZIDA (the Zimbabwean Investment and Development Authority), Zimtrade, ZNCC (Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce) and ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute). A stand-out of the trip to Bulawayo was the meeting with ZITF, who are a tremendously well-run organisation, offering very professional investment guidance, support and insight into the abundant opportunity within Zimbabwe. It’s strongly recommended that  anyone planning to engage with Zimbabwe from a trade and investment perspective to reach out to ZITF, who will provide some very useful insights regarding  commercial landscapes and broader opportunities.

Following the trip to Bulawayo, the delegation returned to Harare where a further series of meetings were held. These included a reception with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Mines, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka. The deep interest in farming and livestock in Zimbabwe was a recurring theme, with most people particularly interested (and often involved) in farming and livestock activities. Ambassador Perera later highlighted that this is indeed a unique feature of Zimbabwean culture, and a characteristic which is predominant throughout the nation, more so than in any other African country. Aside from the interest in livestock, although in keeping with agricultural matters, the delegates had the fortunate opportunity to visit Zimbabwe’s one and only cigar factory. Officials at Zimbabwe’s Department of Foreign Affairs led the visit to the small factory of Moi Oa Tunya, where delegates eagerly supported the Zimbabwean tobacco industry, and had the pleasure of ensuring the cigars were of export quality by smoking one of the freshly rolled treats with the factory owner, Johnathon.

With Zimbabwe making exceptional strides in infrastructure development and fiscal management, coupled with the dynamic, friendly and entrepreneurial spirit of the Zimbabwean people (and the great influence of returning diaspora) the delegates viewed Zimbabwe as presenting a tremendous opportunity for international engagement and African influence into the future.

Aside from the impetus and initiative of Ambassador Mhishi in arranging the important trade and engagement elements of the trip, a special thanks must also go to Ambassador Perera and her team. Her insights and guidance were invaluable, and anyone interested in Zimbabwe is recommended to reach out to her office prior to any planned trip, so that the Embassy and the Ambassador’s team is available should the need arise. 

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