Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is next week expected to launch Zimbabwe’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka as the country gears for the seven-month international shopwindow in Japan next year.

Expo 2025 is an upcoming World Expo organised and sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), to be held in Osaka, Japan.

Taking place for six months during 2025, it will open on 13 April 2025 and close on 13 October 2025.

It will be the third time Osaka hosts the World Expo, having previously hosted Expo 1970 and Expo 1990.

The event returns to its traditional 5-year scheduling cycle after the Expo 2020 was delayed to 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately 28 million visitors are expected to visit the event.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said on Tuesday Cabinet received and noted an update on the preparations for the Expo 2025 Osaka after a presentation by Dr Frederick Shava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

“Preparations for the expo are on course, with the construction of pavilions and the handover of space to countries expected to be completed by the end of September, 2024. Internal works will commence in October 2024 and are expected to be completed by January 2025,” said Dr Muswere.

“The official launch of Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka will be held on 10 October 2024 and will be presided over by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa at State House. The official launch program is expected to intensify awareness and raise private sector funding for Zimbabwe’s preparation for this global event.”

New Ziana