The UAE has emerged as Zimbabwe’s largest export market. Bilateral trade reached around $4.1 billion last year. The development reflects growing economic ties between the two countries. Zimbabwe continues to attract Gulf investment in mining, agriculture, and energy.
Simba Makahamadze, chairman of the Zimbabwean Business Council UAE, said the organisation now focuses on deal facilitation. It connects Zimbabwean companies with investors in the UAE. The council operates under Dubai Chambers and supports business linkages in both markets.
According to Makahamadze, investment talks are active across several sectors. These include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy. He confirmed that several deals are progressing. At least five transactions remain under negotiation, and one has already reached a signed term sheet.
Trade between both countries continues to grow. Zimbabwe is shifting toward Gulf and Eastern markets for investment and exports. Currency instability and limited access to Western capital also drive this shift. As a result, Zimbabwe depends more on alternative financial partners.
Mining is the largest export sector to the UAE. It accounts for about $1.9 billion in trade. Dubai has become a major hub for African minerals. Agricultural exports are also rising as firms target Gulf food demand.
The Zimbabwean Business Council UAE supports exporters through joint programmes with Dubai Chambers and financial institutions. More than 30 exporters recently joined an initiative. It focused on logistics, market access, and cargo movement into the UAE.
The council is also exploring financial integration. It is working on a potential presence for ZB Bank in the Dubai International Financial Centre. This could strengthen financial links between Zimbabwean firms and Gulf investors.
UAE-linked investment activity is also growing in Zimbabwe. Makahamadze highlighted new retail and airport services projects. These show increasing Gulf participation in the local economy.
He said these investments bring capital inflows and create jobs. Employment remains a key priority for Zimbabwe’s economic strategy. The country continues to focus on domestic growth and stability.
Despite regional tensions in the Middle East, trade between Zimbabwe and the UAE continues to rise. Makahamadze said tensions have disrupted logistics and increased shipping costs. However, they also create new export opportunities.
He added that more than 90 percent of UAE food is imported. This makes Zimbabwe a potential supplier for Gulf food security needs. He also referred to Dubai’s strategy, which prioritises food security and trade resilience.
For Zimbabwe, the UAE acts as a key gateway for exports. The partnership supports long-term trade expansion and strengthens investment flows between both markets.
