derick.khumalo
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE 2026 edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo 2026 has recorded significant growth in both exhibitor numbers and community participation, reinforcing its status as a key platform for promoting local enterprise and trade at Zimbabwe’s busiest border town.
Being held at Dulivhadzimu Stadium, the Expo is bringing together businesses from sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, transport, financial services, technology and crafts, creating opportunities for networking, investment and knowledge sharing.
Organisers say the event has attracted 20 new exhibitors this year, pushing participation beyond the 117 exhibitors recorded during the 2025 edition.
Chairperson of the organising committee and award-winning businesswoman, Anna Muleya, attributed the growth to deliberate efforts to broaden participation across all sectors of the community.
“The Expo has embraced Government’s mantra of a whole-of-Government approach to ensure that all sectors are involved and actively participate,” she said.
“We have also adopted the mantra of leaving no one behind to ensure that all persons from literally all walks of life have a role to play at the Expo.”
Dr Muleya said organisers embarked on extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including civic leaders, residents’ associations, small business groups, women’s organisations, youth structures and community-based organisations.
According to her, the engagement process helped identify gaps and attract businesses and entrepreneurs who had not participated in previous editions.
“This year we extensively consulted across sectors including civic leaders, residents’ association leaders and others,” she said.
“The result is more representation and more opportunities for our local entrepreneurs.”
She encouraged residents of Beitbridge to visit the exhibition and support local businesses by exploring the products and services on offer.
“I encourage the Beitbridge community to support the show and visit the stands to appreciate the services at their disposal from various players,” said Dr Muleya.
She also revealed that while this year’s exhibition is being hosted at Dulivhadzimu Stadium, work is continuing on the development of a permanent showground being established through a partnership between the Expo Committee and Beitbridge Municipality.
Once completed, the facility is expected to provide additional space for larger exhibitions, outdoor displays and year-round business events, further strengthening Beitbridge’s position as a growing commercial and investment hub.
Dr Muleya said the immediate focus remains on ensuring that this year’s exhibitors derive maximum value from participating in the event.
