Zimbabwe is aiming to enhance its exports of blueberries, avocados, chillies, and citrus to Singapore, targeting the island's US$15 billion food market. This initiative was discussed at a market scan dissemination programme in Harare, hosted by ZimTrade, where stakeholders from both nations examined agricultural trade opportunities.
Singapore, a leading global trading nation, imports 90% of its food due to limited agricultural land, presenting a market opportunity for Zimbabwe. In 2024, Zimbabwe exported goods worth approximately US$10.3 million to Singapore, primarily comprising blueberries, avocados, and chillies. Conversely, Singapore exported goods valued at US$343.34 million to Zimbabwe, as per national statistics.
Rusyaidi Radzi, a business adviser from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), highlighted Zimbabwe's agricultural potential, stating, "Zimbabwe's potential in agriculture is immense and it aligns with our strategy to source high-quality produce for Singapore's food market." He emphasized Singapore's reliance on imports and Zimbabwe's ability to meet this demand, especially with high-value crops.
Radzi noted that Zimbabwe's export capabilities in agriculture remain underutilized in Singapore. "SBF connects businesses with opportunities globally, including in Africa. Rather than only discussing potential, we focus on actionable facilitation—introducing companies to the right counterparts, sharing market insights, and addressing entry barriers," he said. An example is SoIAgri, a Singapore-based firm exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe's agricultural value chain.
Similo Nkala, ZimTrade operations director, remarked on Singapore's US$10 billion annual food imports as a substantial opportunity for Zimbabwe. He stated, "Singapore imports about 90% of its food, supporting an average market of about US$10 billion annually. And this is not just for domestic consumption, Singapore is a re-export hub as well."
Zimbabwe's blueberry exports reached US$50 million in 2024, marking a 350% increase since 2020. Nkala added, "Our avocados are now available from Europe to the Middle East, and our citrus fruits are celebrated for their exceptional flavour." He emphasized that Singapore's market scan was foundational for future engagement.
Zimbabwe's ambassador to Indonesia, Martin Makururu, encouraged deeper collaboration, noting the strong appetite for Zimbabwean produce in Singapore. "I encourage Singaporean investors to consider contract farming with local farmers to secure the right crop varieties," he said.
Source: NewsDay