By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is set to take a major step towards accelerating economic transformation with the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026, a landmark event expected to bring together government, industry leaders, investors and development partners to chart the country’s industrial future in line with Vision 2030.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said the media had a critical role to play in driving national awareness and support for the country’s industrialisation agenda ahead of the conference, which will run under the theme: “Accelerating Industrialisation through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade.”
“This is not simply a press briefing, it is a formal mobilisation of the media as a strategic national partner in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda as we journey towards realising Vision 2030,” said Dr Soda.
He described the conference as a defining milestone in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, saying it would create an unprecedented platform for collaboration among key stakeholders.
“We gather here to precede a defining moment in our country’s economic transformation journey,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026 is the first ever national platform where government, industry, investors, development partners and academia converge to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s industrial economy.”
The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates and over 200 exhibitors from across regional economic communities, government institutions, the private sector, small and medium enterprises, development partners and academic institutions.
The conference comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, increase value addition and beneficiation, promote innovation and deepen participation in regional and continental value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Authorities believe industrialisation was central to achieving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs, boosting exports and reducing dependence on imports.
Through closer cooperation between the public and private sectors, the conference is expected to unlock investment opportunities, encourage technology transfer and stimulate industrial competitiveness.
Dr Soda said the media’s involvement would be instrumental in ensuring the conference’s objectives and outcomes reach communities, businesses and potential investors.
By bringing together policymakers, business leaders, financiers, innovators and researchers under one roof for the first time, the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026 is expected to provide a roadmap for accelerating industrial growth while positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive manufacturing and investment destination within the region.
New Ziana
