Harare hosts workshop to boost export opportunities for small businesses
From 2 to 4 September, Harare, Zimbabwe, was the vibrant setting for an impactful workshop titled 'Maximizing Business Growth Through Export Opportunities and Working with Distributors and Retailers'.
Over three days, 23 small business owners and entrepreneurs gained valuable insights into expanding their businesses internationally. The workshop equipped participants with practical tools to increase exports and foster stronger relationships with global distributors and retailers, helping them navigate the complexities of international trade.
The workshop was a collaboration between United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP) at the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
The workshop featured expert-led sessions on crucial topics such as refining product branding and marketing strategies, and developing a comprehensive approach to entering new markets. These sessions provided participants with actionable strategies to enhance their global reach and competitiveness.
Voices from the workshop
‘It’s been a remarkable experience. The collaboration between ITC, the UK Embassy, and HDC has opened new windows of opportunity for sales and marketing,’ said Liam Philp of African Preserves. His company specializes in products like tinned tomatoes and beans. ‘The workshop has equipped us with essential tools to navigate international markets,’ he added.
The sessions delved into key aspects of marketing, branding strategy, and market entry, addressing everything from building a compelling consumer value proposition to effectively managing distributor relationships.
‘Interacting with experts who have real-world experience brings a fresh perspective on branding and marketing,’ said Karen Jiri, from agribusiness Cicada. ‘We now have a clearer vision of how to position ourselves, identify our strengths, and turn weaknesses into opportunities.’
Clear impact and strategic shifts
The workshop’s impact was evident, with 17 participants indicating plans to revise their business strategies as a direct result of the training. A major takeaway was the importance of authentic branding—staying true to the company’s core values while sharing its unique story with global audiences.
Participants left with a clearer understanding of how to craft a strong brand narrative, the importance of authenticity in international markets, and how to navigate distributor relationships effectively.
A commitment to empowering developing countries
This workshop is part of the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses in developing countries, particularly in maximizing export opportunities to the UK. Through capacity-building initiatives like this, UKTP helps entrepreneurs tap into the potential of international markets, enabling them to scale their businesses globally.
About the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme
UKTP is implemented by the International Trade Centre or ITC, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UKTP aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
UKTP implements various trade promotion and capacity building activities around the world at different stages of the value chain. UKTP works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.
