Cotecna Leads as Sponsor and Panelist at ZimSA Trade and Investment Networking Dinner

Cotecna had the distinct honor of participating as both a sponsor and key contributor at the Zimbabwe-South Africa (ZimSA) Business Chamber Trade and Investment Networking Dinner, held this September at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. The event focused on highlighting the immense trade and investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe.

The evening began with an address by ZimSA CEO and Co-Founder, Mr. Farai Madziwanyika, who officially welcomed guests and set the tone for an insightful and impactful gathering. Among the esteemed attendees were His Excellency, Ambassador to Zimbabwe in South Africa, Mr. David Hamadziripi, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Jessica Hamadziripi.

The Permanent Secretary of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), Mr. Thomas Wushe, gave the key note speach, who spoke on Zimbabwe’s ongoing infrastructural developments and growing sectors such as agriculture and mining. Mr. Ushe lauded the country’s alignment with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialization Strategy, emphasizing that Zimbabwe is poised for significant economic growth. He also reiterated that Zimbabwe welcomes foreign investors.

Cotecna’s Southern Africa Regional Manager, Mr. Cedric Serre, delivered an insightful presentation on the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) program, which Cotecna is approved to facilitate by the Zimbabwean MoIC. As a Swiss-based company invested in Zimbabwe, Mr. Serre emphasized the positive developments witnessed in Zimbabwe. He detailed how the CBCA program plays a critical role in ensuring that regulated goods exported to Zimbabwe meet the country’s stringent quality standards, protecting both consumers and businesses.

Cotecna’s staff networked with attendees from various industries, sharing insights into the CBCA program, explaining its purpose, processes, and benefits. With a significant volume of Zimbabwe’s imports originating from South Africa, Cotecna's ability to ensure that these goods meet Zimbabwe’s standards is critical for maintaining smooth trade relations between the two countries.

Cotecna’s Zimbabwean and South African teams were present.Together, the team was able to provide a comprehensive understanding of Cotecna’s certifications for Vehicles , spare parts ,general goods and consolidated cargo.

As a company committed to facilitating trade and investment between Zimbabwe and South Africa, Cotecna recognized the importance of participating in such a prestigious event..The ZimSA Trade and Investment Networking Dinner proved to be a valuable platform for fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

To learn more about Exporting to Zimbabwe Contact Cotecna Zimbabwe or Download our free exporter guide. 

Pictured: Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg: Consular General Eriya Phiri ,ZIMSA:Chief Executive Officer Farai Madziwanyika MoIC Permanent Secretary Mr Thomas Utete Wushe, Ambassador to Zimbabwe in South Africa: Ambassador David Hamadziripi and his wife Dr Jessica Hamadziripi ,Newsroom Anchor: Hugo Ribatika ,SACCI Representative/President of The Circle of Global Business Women : Dr Sindiswa Mzamo and Cotecna VOC Regional Manager to Southern Africa :Cedric Serre