Last week, a delegation from the European Union (EU) to Zimbabwe, led by Ambassador-Designate Katrin Hagemann, undertook an insightful tour of Komani Estates, organised by the Horticultural Development Council of Zimbabwe (HDC). The visit offered a firsthand look into the country’s rapidly expanding horticultural sector and the innovative Hub and Spoke Model pioneered by Monty’s (Montgomery Processors).

The model links smallholder farmers to export markets through shared infrastructure and value addition, underscoring Zimbabwe’s potential for inclusive growth and competitiveness in global horticulture. The delegation, joined by HDC CEO Linda Nielsen, also visited Selby Farm, where they observed large-scale blueberry production in progress.

Zimbabwe is fast earning global recognition for its blueberry exports, benefiting from a unique seasonality that runs from April to October. The country fills a vital supply gap in international markets, with nearly 60% of its harvest occurring between August and October.

Farms like Selby are capitalising on duty-free and quota-free access to EU markets under the EU–Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), turning trade opportunities into tangible economic growth and job creation.

Building on this momentum, the EU is developing a targeted support programme for Zimbabwe’s horticultural sector, aimed at strengthening market access, sustainability, and value chain development between Zimbabwe and Europe.

The visit not only highlighted Zimbabwe’s horticultural potential but also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening trade partnerships and supporting agricultural innovation in the country.