ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with India as the country prepares to participate at the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi this Wednesday.
After two days of high-level engagements in Surat under the Chalo-Zimbabwe business initiative, Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga is now in the Indian capital, New Delhi, where Africa’s most influential trade and investment forum with India kicks off tomorrow.
The visit to Gujarat saw the Vice President touring top diamond cutting and polishing companies as well as the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and Sumul Dairy.
The engagements highlighted Zimbabwe’s intent to move from raw exports to local beneficiation and smallholder-based agro-processing.
“In Gujarat, we saw first-hand the scale of diamond beneficiation, nine out of every ten diamonds worldwide are cut and polished there. Yet, our diamonds are still sold through third parties. We want India to buy directly from Zimbabwe and support us in establishing cutting and polishing houses locally, which will be a game-changer. We were also impressed by their dairy model, where even small farmers with one or two cows contribute to a well-organised collection and processing system. This is something we can replicate in our villages, using local resources to feed livestock, collect milk, and create value-added products for the market,” the Vice President said.
To the India-Africa Business Conclave, Vice President Chiwenga is accompanied by the Minister of Skills Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavima, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Honourable Sleiman Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary, Science and Technology Development Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda, and other senior government officials.
The Vice President says Zimbabwe is determined to shift from dialogue to action by prioritising practical, implementable projects that will drive tangible economic growth and foster sustainable partnerships.
“At the Conclave, we want to see practical results. Even two or three key projects, whether in cotton processing, diamond beneficiation, or agriculture, will make a real difference. Our focus is on small to medium-scale initiatives at the village level, where businesses grow from the ground up. We want stronger collaboration between India and Africa, especially with Zimbabwe, to transfer expertise and train our own people.”
The three-day event, hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry will feature sessions on agriculture and food processing, Healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, energy and mining, as well as digital partnerships and skills development
The stage is set for concrete agreements that could redefine Zimbabwe’s trade footprint in India, from dairy to diamonds, and education to energy.
