UK deepens trade, investment ties with Zim.
THE United Kingdom is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on enhancing trade and investment between the two countries, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Pete Vowles, has said.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 Welcome Cocktail, co-hosted by the ZITF Company and the British Embassy, in Bulawayo on Tuesday night, Mr Vowles described the ZITF as a key platform for the embassy and an opportunity to showcase strategic partnerships.
“I think it’s fair to say that ZITF is the highlight of the calendar year for us at the British Embassy. It’s a chance for all of us to showcase our partnerships and our trade and investment cooperation,” he said.
“Regardless of where you come from, I believe we can all agree that increasing trade between Zimbabwe and the rest of the world is in everyone’s interests. For Zimbabwe, it contributes to economic growth, generates foreign exchange, and creates jobs. For international companies, it presents opportunities to expand their offerings, share expertise and also learn and adopt new skills and ideas.”
Mr Vowles outlined five key priorities underpinning the UK’s engagement in Zimbabwe, stressing the mutual benefits of deepened economic cooperation.
“For us, as the United Kingdom, there are five main reasons why we are here. Firstly, we are doubling down on trade. We are working harder to increase Zimbabwe’s capacity to export to the UK, to Europe and globally,” he said.
“Agribusiness, in particular, has been a major focus. We are pleased to have the Horticultural Development Council at our stand to discuss their ongoing initiatives.”
He cited the success of Kuminda, a company partnering with 300 smallholder farmers to export 700 tonnes of sugar snap peas to the UK and Europe, playfully likening the volume to 28 fire engines or 8,2 million servings.
Investment is another cornerstone of the UK’s strategy. Mr Vowles revealed a “billion-dollar pipeline” of potential UK investments in Zimbabwe. He highlighted the involvement of British International Investment in partnership with NMB Bank, which is providing financial support to small-scale farmers and agricultural services.
He also spoke of advanced negotiations by United Green for a US$200 million investment in Zimbabwe’s agriculture and dairy industries, alongside projects aimed at generating approximately 100 megawatts of solar energy across the country.
Source: Heraldco
