Harare, (New Ziana) –Mozambican President Daniel Chapo will officially open the 65th edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to be held from 21 to 26 April, with the showcase this year set to break new ground in scale, participation, and strategic focus.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.
“This reflects the high-level political and economic cooperation between our nations and adds a significant diplomatic dimension to this key industrial platform,” he said.
Running under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape,” the 2025 edition marks a significant expansion with the event now spanning six days, an extension that underscores growing interest and the increasing importance of the trade fair on the continental and global business calendar.
Dr Muswere said Cabinet was informed that preparations are well underway, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce actively engaging national business member organisations and industry associations to drive private sector participation and ensure a comprehensive representation of Zimbabwe’s economic sectors, adding the response from exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive.
“As of 7 April 2025, a total of 596 direct exhibitors had confirmed their participation, surpassing the 428 who had registered by the same date last year.
“Notably, 98 of this year’s exhibitors are participating for the first time. Space bookings have also surged, with 95 percent already taken, compared to 87 percent at this stage last year,” he said.
Dr Muswere added that 29 countries confirmed for ZITF 2025, up from 27 last year, with India joining the line-up.
Participating countries include global heavyweights such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside strong regional representation from countries including Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi.
To accommodate the anticipated influx of international and local visitors, Air Zimbabwe and Fast Jet have been engaged to increase flight frequencies and enhance customer service delivery during the event period.
The ZITF 2025 program will feature a variety of high-impact events including the International Business Conference, the Connect Africa Symposium, and the return of the CBZ Original Equipment Manufacturers platform.
For the first time, the Rural Industrialisation Indaba will also be held, marking a strategic focus on decentralized economic development and inclusive growth.
New Ziana
