About the event

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is bringing a delegation of 13 exceptional Zimbabwean women-led businesses specialising in natural oils, cosmeceuticals, and agrifood products to the United Kingdom.

During their UK trade mission (3-6 March 2026), these entrepreneurs will connect with British partners interested in high-quality, ethically sourced African botanicals. Manchester will host an event to come along and meet the businesses and see the products available.

About ITC SheTrades Initiative

The ITC SheTrades Initiative works to remove barriers to women’s participation in trade by strengthening the competitiveness of women-owned businesses, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering connections with global markets. Through capacity-building, partnerships, and market access support, SheTrades contributes to a more inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive global economy.

About ITC SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme

Launched in 2018 and funded by UK International Development, the programme promotes inclusive economic growth by improving the business ecosystem for women across the Commonwealth and related trading partners. By engaging policymakers, business support organizations, private-sector partners, and women-led enterprises, the programme strengthens women’s participation in trade across priority sectors.

Who Will Be There?

The Zimbabwean delegation for the trade mission includes 13 vetted, export-ready enterprises categorized into the following sectors:

• Natural Oils & Raw Materials: This sector features botanical ingredients such as Baobab, Marula, Mongongo, Ximenia, and Kalahari Melon oils, along with Mafura butter.

• Cosmeceuticals & Beauty: Offerings include Vegan Certified mineral makeup, innovative mushroom-infused skincare, and serums based on indigenous teas like Zumbani.

• Haircare: Specialist companies provide organic products specifically for afro-textured hair, utilizing indigenous raw materials like avocado, marula, honey, and mongongo.

• Wellness & Agrifood: This category features nutritious Baobab juices, coffees, candies, and powders, as well as herbal detox and wellness teas such as Zumbani, Makoni, and Resurrection Bush.

Why Attend?

• Access pre-qualified suppliers of premium African botanical ingredients and finished retail goods.

• Diversify your sourcing with sustainable, ethical, women-led businesses.

• Enhance supply chain resilience through direct partnerships with producers who manage the entire value chain.

This event is FREE of charge, but registration is required.

How It Works

• Review participating supplier profiles: Explore the detailed 13-company business catalogue featuring sectors like natural oils, cosmeceuticals, and wellness here

• Register your interest: Use the registration link to confirm your attendance.

• Attendance Approval: Our team will review your registration and send a final confirmation with venue details.

• Open Networking: The event will take place in person on 5th March 2026 in an open-format networking environment, allowing you to move freely between suppliers.

Who should attend?

British companies, and especially buyers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, hospitality businesses and retailers operating in the processed agrifood and textiles sectors.

Draft Agenda* – Manchester (05 March 2026)

10:00 AM – Arrival & Registration – Attendees receive name tags and the mission brochure.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction – Opening remarks from the ITC SheTrades Initiative and project partners.

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Open Networking & Showcase – Informal meetings and product demonstrations at supplier stations. This is a first approach to learn about distribution and technical requirements.

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Next Steps – Guidance on post-mission follow-ups and building long-term partnerships.

*This may be subject to changes

Important notice

Please note this event is exclusive for companies seeking to purchase products and/or services from the delegation. If you are a service provider (e.g. translation company, logistics provider or other), whilst you can express interest, priority will be given to buyers.

Can’t Attend in Person?

Register your interest and select suppliers you want to connect with—our team will arrange virtual introductions after the event.

Costs

This event is FREE of charge for UK and European businesses. Registration is mandatory.

Disclaimer

Please note that we will not be sharing your personal data with any 3rd parties outside the partners involved directly in the delivery of this project. Buyer's information will not be disclosed publicly.

Please note photos may be taken during the event, if you are not happy for you to be included make sure to let a member of our team know on the day.