Unlocking intra-African trade opportunities for Zimbabwean SMEs under AfCFTA

Harare and Bulawayo, 29 August 2025 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), in collaboration with the ECA Africa Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), organised two national workshops in Harare, 25-26 August and Bulawayo 28-29 August 2025, under the aegis of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSED) to build the capacity of about 100 Zimbabwean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The workshop focused on strengthening the knowledge of SMEs to deepen their understanding of the AfCFTA protocols, and key operational instruments. It also served as a platform to create awareness on enhanced market access opportunities under the agreement through the removal of tariffs, non-tariff barriers, addressing logistical challenges, simplifying customs procedures, standards and certification issues.

In her opening remarks, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community and SMEs Development applauded ECA SRO-SA for designing a programme that brought together international, regional and local experts, alongside key stakeholders, to strengthen the capacities of SMEs and prepare them for active participation in the AfCFTA.

She emphasised that the workshop was a transformative platform to shape a new era of growth for the Zimbabwean people. Noting that, "the AfCFTA is the largest free trade area in the world by number of participating countries, creating a single market of more than 1.3 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding US$3.4 trillion".

Ms. Zodwa Mabuza, Chief of the Sub regional Initiatives Section representing ECA, underscored that SMEs are not just passive participants in Africa's integration journey - but they are the very engine that will power inclusive growth, job creation and resilience across the continent. She urged partners to translate the workshop's discussions into concrete actions, noting that the training was designed, "to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring SMEs are not only aware of the AfCFTA but are also empowered to trade under it".

Mr. Innocent Madziva, representative of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting SMEs in Zimbabwe, such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa's (COMESA) efforts in implementing the Simplified Trade regime, which makes it easier for SMEs to trade formally across borders.

Mr. Venacio Kurauone, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs spoke on behalf of the Harare and Bulawayo SMEs reminding participants that SMEs were the engine of the Zimbabwean economy, contributing 70% to the country's GDP, providing employment for women and youth. In Bulawayo, Mr. Christopher Mugaga, CEO of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), emphasized the need for a tailor-made strategy to respond to challenges facing Zimbabwe's SMEs such as absence of adequate regulatory frameworks, low competitiveness and the lack of harmonised standards.

The technical aspect of the workshop was led by a team of experts from ECA supported by trade experts from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat, the Common Eastern and Southern African (COMESA) secretariat, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Trade Law Centre and national institutions with key roles such as ZIMTRADE, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, DHL-Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and ZIMPOST.

The workshop put emphasis on market access opportunities under the AfCFTA, issues related to rules of origin, non-tariff measures and non-tariff barriers, e-commerce and digital trade and trade in services.

There was consensus among experts on the need for practical and easily accessible information to guide SMEs on AfCFTA compliance requirements. Access to finance, including trade finance, working capital, and collateral requirements are some of the challenges faced by SMES that need to be addressed, as well as the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe.

Throughout the four-day workshop, SMEs shared their experiences of trading and operating in Zimbabwe and the region, while also engaging with key national institutions such as ZIMTRADE, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO).

In her closing remarks, Dr Mavis Sibanda, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and SMEs applauded ECA and its partners for creating an opportunity to equip SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to harness the opportunities that come with the AfCFTA market, noting the importance of strengthening value chains, improving competitiveness, and embracing digital trade.

Issued by: Communications Section Economic Commission for Africa PO Box 3001 Addis Ababa Ethiopia Tel: +251 11 551 5826 E-mail: [email protected]