HARARE, Zimbabwe – CBZ Holdings and Afreximbank-backed Africa Trade and Distribution Company (ATDC) have formally launched ATDC Zimbabwe. The new platform aims to connect Zimbabwean producers and businesses with regional and international markets.
The partners officially launched the platform in Harare on 2 October. Representatives from CBZ, Afreximbank, ATDC, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce attended the event.
ATDC Zimbabwe is a joint venture between ATDC and CBZ Agro Yield, a member of CBZ Holdings. The partners signed the agreement establishing the venture in July, while preliminary operations started about three months before the formal launch.
The platform will focus on commodity aggregation, export development, market intelligence, warehousing and logistics. It will also connect Zimbabwean suppliers with buyers and provide trade-related services to SMEs and emerging exporters.
CBZ Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Nyazema said the initiative could strengthen investor confidence and support Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“What we need as a nation is a platform which builds confidence in global investors that indeed Zimbabwe is a haven for doing business,” Nyazema said.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce said the platform could help local businesses overcome some of the barriers to regional trade. These include limited access to buyers, logistics, working capital and efficient payment systems.
ATDC Zimbabwe also supports the country’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade between African economies.
Zimbabwe has significant agricultural, mining and manufacturing capacity. However, businesses seeking to expand beyond the domestic market continue to face financing, logistics and market-access challenges.
ATDC Zimbabwe aims to address some of these barriers by connecting local production with a wider African trade and distribution network.
Afreximbank established ATDC to develop commercially sustainable trade and distribution platforms across Africa. Zimbabwe is among the countries where the model is being implemented as the continent seeks to turn greater market integration into increased trade between African businesses.
The new platform will ultimately be measured by the additional trade it generates for Zimbabwean companies. Its ability to connect SMEs, farmers, processors and manufacturers with buyers beyond Zimbabwe will be an important test of its impact.
