Antony Chawagarira and Simba Muparaganda
Bulawayo- President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart, President Duma Boko, have arrived in Bulawayo ahead of the official opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026, one of the region’s premier trade and investment showcases.
President Boko, who is the Guest of Honour at this year’s international exhibition, was welcomed at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport by senior Government officials, diplomats and ZITF organisers before proceeding to scheduled engagements ahead of the official opening ceremony.
Running under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 has drawn significant interest from both local and international exhibitors, underscoring growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s industrial and investment landscape.
More than 700 exhibitors are participating in this year’s showcase, with 49 foreign exhibitors from 31 countries taking part, reflecting expanding international engagement and renewed efforts to strengthen trade ties across the region and beyond.Officials say the strong turnout of exhibitors highlights the importance of regional integration and collaboration in driving sustainable economic growth, innovation and industrialisation.
The presence of President Boko as Guest of Honour is also expected to deepen bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana, particularly in trade, infrastructure development and cross-border investment.The fair has, over the years, evolved into a strategic platform for businesses, investors and policymakers to exchange ideas, explore partnerships and showcase innovations across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism and technology.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the exhibition, where he will tour various stands and engage exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies and locally manufactured products. The official opening ceremony is anticipated to highlight Zimbabwe’s commitment to industrial growth, value addition and regional competitiveness.
Meanwhile, business leaders and exhibitors have expressed optimism that this year’s fair will unlock new opportunities for trade partnerships and investment deals, especially as economies across Southern Africa continue to position themselves for growth through industrial collaboration and digital transformation.The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, making it a vital platform for promoting Zimbabwe as a competitive investment destination and strengthening economic linkages within the Southern African region.
