547 exhibitors book space for ZITF

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter 

AT least 547 exhibitors have booked space ahead of this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which is scheduled for 25 to 29 April.

Last year, 514 exhibitors took part in the annual showcase.

The ZITF is held annually at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo and this year it will run under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”

The 63rd edition of the ZITF will provide engagement platforms for local and international investors, offering interactive opportunities crucial to the national development agenda.

Senegal President, Mr Macky Sall is set to be the guest of honour at this year’s trade showcase. 

ZITF chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele yesterday said so far 547 exhibitors and 16 countries have expressed interest to participate in the 63rd edition.

“We are quite excited about ZITF 2023 and anticipating growth in both participation as well as attendance in numbers. Most importantly, we are predicting a high-quality show with strong emphasis on latest trends and innovations,” he said.

“To date, 547 exhibitors have booked space to showcase their products and services which translates to 97 percent occupancy. A total of 16 countries will be represented namely Angola, Belarus, China, Kenya, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, UK, USA and Zambia.” 

Among them will also be Botswana, United Arab Emirates and the European Union pavilion (member states represented include France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany).

Meanwhile, a snap survey conducted by Sunday News showed that major hotels and lodges in Bulawayo were already fully booked ahead of the ZITF period.

“Yes, we are now fully booked for the ZITF period. Our bookings comprise both locals and foreigners and we preferred maintaining our normal rates,” said Banff Lodge Hotel manager Ms Lisa Dixon.

N1 Hotel Bulawayo, front office reservationist, Mr Eliash Tendayi said they were also already fully booked, though the rates for the ZITF period were reviewed upwards.

“We are now fully booked ahead of the ZITF period as a local company booked most of the rooms. In terms of our rates, they are 20 percent up for the ZITF period,” he said.