By Pelatia Choto
For more than three decades, global value chains (GVCs), have been the backbone of international trade and today, these supply chains are undergoing a profound transformation.
Geopolitical tensions, climate-related policies, and the global race for critical minerals are prompting multinational companies to rethink where and how they source, manufacture, and distribute their products.
For Zimbabwean exporters, this shift presents a timely opportunity to integrate into international markets.
Global value chains have remained remarkably resilient despite the looming threat of deglobalisation.
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) GVCs continue to account for approximately 46 percent of global trade, close to their 2022 peak.
For Africa, this is an important factor in growing intercontinental trade. Now with the AfCFTA in effect, Intra-African trade is projected to grow by around 10 percent during 2026, reaching nearly US$230 billion.
Although this represents only about 16 percent of the continent’s total trade, well below intra-regional trade levels in Asia (59 percent), the Americas (55 percent), and Europe (68 percent), the trend is encouraging.
However the trajectory is beginning to change.
Early 2026 indicators suggest Africa is steadily increasing its participation in global value chains.
Manufacturing and agro-processing are expected to account for nearly half of intra-African trade, signalling a gradual shift away from dependence on unprocessed commodity exports.
Agricultural products and natural resources accounted for around US$352 billion, exceeding manufactured exports of approximately US$294 billion. Limited industrialisation, inadequate value addition, and weak cross-border infrastructure continue to constrain Africa’s ability to capture greater value from the global supply chains in which it participates.
Nevertheless, much of this progress is being driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Since its launch, the Guided Trade Initiative has expanded from eight pilot countries in 2022 to approximately 39 participating countries trading products ranging from batteries and textiles to processed foods under preferential tariff arrangements.
More than 40 African countries are now issuing AfCFTA Certificates of Origin. While implementation challenges remain, particularly in customs modernisation, payment systems, transport infrastructure, and trade facilitation, the momentum towards greater regional integration is steadily building.
For Zimbabwean exporters, these developments create practical commercial advantages.
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is reducing foreign exchange transaction costs on cross-border African trade by an estimated 20-30 percent, while AfCFTA Certificates of Origin provide preferential market access across a rapidly expanding regional market.
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), neighbouring African markets represent the most realistic and accessible entry point into regional and eventually global value chains.
To capitalise on these emerging opportunities, Zimbabwean businesses should focus on several strategic priorities.
First, exporters should diversify both their markets and customer base. As international buyers seek to reduce supply chain risks, firms that establish relationships across multiple markets will be better positioned to benefit from evolving sourcing strategies.
Second, businesses must invest in compliance, certification, and product traceability. International standards are no longer merely regulatory requirements, they have become key competitive advantages that determine supplier selection.
Third, exporters should actively utilise the opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
Making effective use of Certificates of Origin and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System can reduce transaction costs, improve competitiveness, and facilitate expansion into regional markets.
Fourth, wherever commercially viable, firms should prioritise value addition over the export of raw materials. Zimbabwe’s experience in the mineral sector demonstrates the substantial increase in export earnings that can result from processing products before export.
Finally, businesses should explore opportunities in digital and professional services. These sectors provide relatively low-barrier entry points into global value chains and offer significant potential for growth as international demand for digitally delivered services continues to expand.
