INTERNATIONAL TRADE

European Union and Zimbabwe could be on the brink of a new trade era

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Three-day business forum in Harare hailed as a groundbreaking initiative to deepen economic and trade ties.

A new era of international trade between Zimbabwe and the European Union may be on the horizon as the inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum winds up in Harare on Thursday (22 May 2025). 

Photo via X

The three-day forum attracted 60-plus EU companies interested in doing business with Zimbabwe in areas such as logistics, financial services, agriculture, mining and vocational skills development. The companies represent 12 EU member states – among them France, Germany, Austria, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands and Italy. 

 

Comments the ‘Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe’ business newsletter: “The forum presents a timely platform to highlight this potential and foster deeper business ties between the EU and Zimbabwe, unlocking new opportunities for growth and cooperation. 

 

“[It] underlines the potential for a stronger and progressive partnership between Zimbabwe and the EU and mutual dedication to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.” 

 

The EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst Von Kirchmann, called the forum a groundbreaking initiative aimed at deepening economic ties.  

 

Try to unlock the potential which is here 

 

“We would like to hit the US$1-billion mark in terms of trade and investment with Zimbabwe, I think that’s based on the idea that we work together and try to unlock the potential which is there.  

 

“Our main goal with this platform is to elevate our trade relationship and, for the first time, bring EU firms to Zimbabwean shores to strengthen our relationships,” the ambassador said. 

 

Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, welcomed the initiative as a clear signal of mutual interest and commitment. 

“It is indeed very encouraging that we are talking of two parties who have charted a new course of partnership in trade. We are poised for a new era of trade partnership,” he said. 

 

The EU and Zimbabwe have a trade agreement that allows Zimbabwean companies to export duty-free and tariff-free to EU member states. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.