Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Entrepreneurs in the Matebeleland region have been encouraged to actively participate in this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), as this platform serves as a unique and powerful platform to showcase the remarkable strength of the country`s industrial capabilities.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu made this call on the sidelines of a business engagement meeting attended by various stakeholders, including industry leaders and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The meeting aimed to discuss business opportunities that local entrepreneurs can explore within the economy and how they can unlock financing from the government and financial institutions to revive industry.
This year’s ZITF will take place from April 21-26 under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”
Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo, is expected to officially open the trade fair.
“The 2025 theme will spotlight the nation’s drive towards a more interconnected, technology-driven, and sustainable industrial ecosystem,” Ndlovu said.
“The exhibition will provide a platform for businesses to showcase innovations, explore new markets, and contribute to Zimbabwe’s broader economic vision of industrial self-sufficiency and regional integration.”
“I would like to extend a warm invitation to each of you to actively participate in this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
“The event stands as a unique and powerful platform to showcase the remarkable strengths of Zimbabwe’s industrial capabilities,” he said.
Ndlovu said the ZITF also offered an invaluable forum for businesses in the region to forge meaningful partnerships, exchange innovative ideas that drive progress, and discover promising new market avenues, both domestically and internationally.
“This is a highly significant event on our national calendar, and I want to assure you that we are fully dedicated to ensuring it is inclusive, impactful, and yields tangible benefits for each and every stakeholder involved,” he said.
Many entrepreneurs expressed eagerness to participate in the event, urging the government to facilitate their involvement in such exhibitions both locally and abroad.
This year’s event marks a significant milestone as ZITF celebrates its Blue Sapphire anniversary, commemorating 65 years of unparalleled exhibition excellence.
In an interview with New Ziana, ZITF Chairperson Busisa Moyo said them fair will showcase ZITF’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape over the decades.
Moyo indicated that the exhibition is nearing full capacity, with 95.2 percent of space already booked.
“We currently have 435 direct exhibitors who have taken up 47,140.87 square meters of the set aside 49,499 square meters,” he said.
He also noted strong international participation, with 24 exhibitors from 17 countries already confirmed.
“This compares favourably with the booking situation at the same time last year when 13 countries had booked space. Last year’s closing total was 27 countries represented,” Moyo explained.
This year’s event will feature companies and organizations from Afghanistan, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Pakistan, showcasing their products and services.
Additionally, Moyo said several countries and regional bodies will participate through organised delegations, underscoring their commitment to fostering trade and economic partnerships.
Other foreign countries confirmed to take part include Belarus, China, the European Union (EU), Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
“Beyond exhibitors, the event will also welcome high-level delegations from India, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI), who will be attending as visitors to explore business and investment opportunities,” Moyo added.
“Bookings and inquiries continue to come in, underscoring Zimbabwe’s growing significance as a gateway to regional and global markets,” he said.
New Ziana
