Bulawayo (New Ziana) — The 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) took off on Monday with exhibitors putting final touches to their stands ahead of the official opening on Thursday.
This year, the exhibition, Which will be officially opened by Botswana President Duma Boko, is running under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” will run from April 20 to 25.
The event also focuses on industrial innovation, regional trade, and economic growth, featuring a Rural Industrialisation Conference and high-level business network.
A New Ziana crew which visited the exhibition grounds on Monday saw heightened activity, with companies workers rushing to complete installations, arrange products and test equipment as preparations entered the final stretch.
Inside the exhibition halls, workers were seen mounting banners, polishing display units and fine-tuning digital screens, while marketing teams rehearsed presentations in readiness for the expected influx of visitors.
“We are in the final stages and making sure everything is in place before the opening. It has been a long process, but we are confident of delivering a quality showcase,” said Khumbulani Dube, a sales representative with a Chinese mining firm.
Heavy equipment and product consignments continued to arrive throughout the day, with forklifts moving between pavilions as crews worked against time to meet deadlines.
Outside, landscapers and general hands were attending to the surroundings, sweeping walkways, trimming hedges and putting up signage to guide visitors.
Flags representing participating companies and countries were also hoisted, adding colour to the venue.
Food vendors were equally preparing for business, setting up stalls and stocking supplies in anticipation for high volumes of traffic during the week-long event.
Organisers said preparations were at an advanced stage, with key infrastructure and logistics systems now in place.
“Everything is now in place for the event. We are expecting a bigger crowd than last year,” said ZITF chairman Busisa Moyo.
Security personnel were also deployed across the venue conducting final checks to ensure a smooth flow of both exhibitors and visitors.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is the country’s premier annual trade showcase, bringing together local and international exhibitors to promote trade, investment and industrial development.
This year the edition is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including business leaders, policymakers and potential investors, providing a platform for companies to showcase products, forge partnerships and explore new markets.
According to organisers, this year, the ZITF has attracted 46 international exhibitors from 29 countries, reflecting growing global interest in the country’s industrial and trade prospects.
Participating nations span Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including Germany, China, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
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