Harare, (New Ziana) – Botswana President Duma Boko will this year officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to be held from April 20 to 25 in Bulawayo.
Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, said Government had received an update on the state of preparedness for the prestigious trade showcase, with all indications pointing to a highly successful event.
The 2026 edition of the trade showcase will run under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” reflecting a growing emphasis on regional integration, industrial competitiveness and resilient supply chains.
Soda said the choice of theme resonates with continental aspirations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade and unlock industrial growth through enhanced cross-border collaboration.
“The build-up to the 2026 ZITF includes ongoing comprehensive stakeholder engagements encompassing the private sector and local embassies to promote broader participation,” he said.
In a move aimed at ensuring smooth logistics and increased accessibility, the government is engaging key aviation players including Air Zimbabwe, Fastjet and Ethiopian Airlines, to increase flight frequencies during the exhibition period.
Soda said exhibitor uptake has already surpassed last year’s figures, signaling renewed confidence in the premier trade platform.
“A total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time. A total space of 49 100 square metres, representing 93 percent of the total available exhibition space, has been booked,” he said.
International interest has also surged, with more than 33 foreign exhibitors from 16 countries confirming participation, almost double the 17 recorded in the previous edition.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair program will feature a wide range of high-level engagements designed to stimulate business linkages and innovation. These include the Rural Industrialization Indaba, the Youth in Business Festival, the ZITF Innovators Forum, the Connect Africa Symposium, the Diplomats Forum and a Charity Golf Challenge, among other networking platforms.
The annual trade fair has over the years evolved into a key gateway for investment promotion, industrial development and regional integration, attracting exhibitors and delegates from across Africa and beyond.
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