Zimbabwe’s economy has been in the doldrums for a number of years now and recently, there has been growth.
Export of locally produced products is on the rise, especially in the food industry, as entrepreneurs have started to break the ceiling that has been holding them back. The African region has been receiving Zimbabwean made products with the famous saying on the labels “Proudly Zimbabwean”. This not only brings in foreign currency but also shows those around the landlocked nation that she is on the up and up.
To be a force to reckon with, regionally and globally, there is need for local players to collaborate in export. Competition is ideal in any business sector as it births innovation and creativity but when it comes to export, working together is definitely the way to go for Zimbabwe as she is still finding her footing.
For example, say hypothetically, person A has 5 tonnes of Macadamia nuts ready for export and shipping will cost them USD2 000. Person B, has right about the same amount of nuts and is looking at the same cost, pooling their resources together will cut costs significantly if they export as one unit.
The majority of Zimbabweans, to be honest are inherently competitive and prefer working alone, but for the greater good and profit, working as team and moving as a consolidated front when exporting will yield better results.
It is now time for SMEs in the export business to work together, combine resources, minds and man power as merging can lead to economies of scale.
