Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge Business Expo, a flagship event aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship and innovation, kicked off at Dulivhadzimu Stadium on Thursday morning and will run until Saturday.
Organisers said the expo has attracted a significant number of new businesses, marking an important milestone for the region’s commercial landscape.
Designed as a dynamic platform for local enterprises to showcase their products and services, the expo also enables participants to engage with potential investors and gain valuable insights from industry leaders.
The event draws a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations from across the region, all keen to explore new opportunities and forge strategic connections.
“The Beitbridge Business Expo has begun with a lively and brisk tempo, which is having a positive impact on the local economy, promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and growth,” said Vice Chairperson of the Beitbridge Business Expo, Mr Nqobile Ncube.
He noted that, as of Thursday morning, at least 80 percent of exhibitors were already on site with the remaining 20 percent expected by the end of the day.
Mr Ncube added that this would be the final time the exhibition is held at Dulivhadzimu Stadium as the organisers are in the process of developing a dedicated showground, north of the town, along the Bulawayo Road. He said civil works are well underway, with landscaping of the area already in progress.
“This year, we have welcomed at least six new exhibitors and we continue to receive enquiries from businesses across various economic sectors,” he said.
He further noted that the expo presents opportunities for local businesses to access new markets, technologies and expertise.
“To demonstrate our commitment to excellence, we have brought in an external adjudication team from the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), led by their Chief Executive Officer, to help raise the standard of the expo,” said Mr Ncube.
“We held an information session with the exhibitors earlier today, and we anticipate an even bigger event this year. A wide range of activities are planned, and the expo will be officially opened by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, on Saturday.”
Mr Ncube emphasised that the expo presents a unique opportunity for visibility and growth, especially for emerging enterprises.
This year’s event is running under the theme: “Beitbridge 24 Seven” — a concept that promotes quality, round-the-clock service delivery by local providers. The theme aligns with the town’s ongoing modernisation efforts and the 24-hour operations at the Beitbridge border post, a vital gateway for regional trade.
The organisers envision a future where travellers passing through Beitbridge will have uninterrupted access to essential services including restaurants, fuel stations and other amenities at any time of day or night. This vision, they noted, is central to transforming the town into a modern, service-driven hub.
By Thursday afternoon, a wide range of institutions, including major corporations, SMEs, youth organisations and government agencies, had already set up stalls at the expo venue.
Their participation, it is understood, reflects growing confidence in Beitbridge’s economic potential and its emerging role as a regional business centre.
