Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Visiting Botswana President Duma Boko on Thursday toured exhibition stands at the country’s premier trade show – the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) – engaging exhibitors and gaining first-hand appreciation of the industrial and commercial heartbeat of his host nation.
Accompanied by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and senior government officials, President Boko moved through the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, where this year’s showcase is being held under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.”
He took time to interact with business representatives across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, mining and services, as exhibitors highlighted innovations, products and investment opportunities.
The tour reflects growing regional interest in leveraging trade fairs such as ZITF as platforms for economic diplomacy, deal-making and knowledge exchange.
ZITF is Zimbabwe’s premier trade exhibition, drawing participants from across Africa and beyond, and is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for advancing industrialisation and regional integration.
President Boko’s presence at the fair signals Botswana’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Zimbabwe while exploring new avenues for collaboration.
During the tour, among other places, he visited the stand of the ruling Zanu PF party, where he was briefed on Zimbabwe’s liberation history.
Exhibitors narrated the detention of President Mnangagwa by the Rhodesian regime under Ian Smith.
They also gave an account of former President Robert Mugabe’s incarceration at Khami Prison, subsequent transfers to Salisbury Prison and eventual deportation in 1972 to Zambia via Victoria Falls, a period that birthed the country’s armed liberation struggle.
Chairperson of Zimbabwe Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Association (ZIPEDRA) Children’s Trust, Lovemore Chikukwa, also explained the conditions under which nationalist leaders such as President Mnangagwa were detained, providing historical context that forms part of Zimbabwe’s national heritage being showcased at the fair.
Beyond historical exhibits, President Boko’s tour focused on appreciating the diversity of Zimbabwe’s productive sector and the role of small-to-medium enterprises in driving economic growth.
Exhibitors used the opportunity to highlight the need for increased regional trade, value addition and cross-border partnerships to unlock shared prosperity.
Zimbabwe and Botswana share strong bilateral relations anchored on historical solidarity and economic cooperation.
Botswana played a supportive role during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and continues to be a key regional trade partner.
Today, the two countries collaborate in trade, infrastructure development and tourism, with both governments advocating for improved connectivity and reduced trade barriers within the Southern African region.
President Boko’s engagement with exhibitors comes at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to attract investment and boost industrial output through value addition and beneficiation.
The ZITF platform offers a strategic avenue for showcasing these ambitions while connecting local businesses with regional and international partners.
President Boko is the official guest of honour at the ZITF, and was expected to officially open the trade show on Thursday.
New Ziana
