Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
PREPARATIONS are in the advanced stages for the Beitbridge Business Expo, a key event set to showcase local entrepreneurship and innovation from July 3 to 5, at Dulivhadzimu Stadium. Organisers are working diligently to ensure the expo marks a significant milestone for the region’s business community.
The Expo is designed to serve as a dynamic platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, engage with potential investors and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. It is expected to draw a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations from across the region, all eager to explore new opportunities and forge meaningful connections.
“The Beitbridge Business Expo is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth,” said Dr Anna Muleya, chairperson of the Beitbridge Business Expo. She confirmed that preparations were nearing completion, with momentum building steadily.
“We are almost done in terms of preparations. The Expo will also provide opportunities for local businesses to access new markets, technologies and expertise. Our target is to host at least 150 exhibitors this year — we are well on track, with at least 50 having already booked their space and more doing so daily,” she said.
Dr Muleya encouraged businesses and entrepreneurs interested in participating, to reach out to the organisers to reserve exhibition stalls or enquire about sponsorship opportunities. She emphasised that the Expo offers a unique chance for visibility and growth, particularly for emerging enterprises.
This year’s event will run under the theme “Beitbridge 24 Seven”, a concept aimed at fostering a culture of quality, round-the-clock service delivery by local providers. The theme aligns with the town’s ongoing modernisation efforts and the 24-hour operations of the Beitbridge border post, which serves as a critical gateway for regional trade.
“The theme remains Beitbridge 24 Seven because we believe we haven’t yet achieved our goal. The idea is to have services and facilities available 24 hours a day, in line with the fact that our border operates non-stop. We’ll continue with this theme until we reach a point of sustainability and we’re well on the way,” Dr Muleya said.
She outlined a long-term vision in which travellers passing through Beitbridge would have access to essential services — such as restaurants, fuel stations and other amenities — at any hour of the day or night. This vision, she noted, is central to the town’s transformation into a modern, service-oriented hub.
According to Dr Muleya, a wide range of institutions, including major corporates, SMEs, youth organisations and government agencies, have already expressed interest in participating in this year’s Expo. Their involvement signals growing confidence in Beitbridge’s economic potential and its role as a regional business centre.
“The Expo has attracted investment and interest from various stakeholders, who are now exploring opportunities. For example, the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) is working towards opening a satellite campus in Beitbridge, while several businesses are beginning to establish a presence here,” she said.
She also highlighted plans by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to establish a vocational training centre in the town — a development she described as transformative for the local community. Such initiatives, she added, are vital for equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive economy.
Dr Muleya noted that many businesspeople were keen to invest in diverse sectors that support local economic development, from retail and logistics to education and hospitality. The Expo, she said, would provide a valuable platform for these investors to connect with potential partners, clients and collaborators.
In addition to exhibitions, the event will feature workshops and seminars led by industry experts, covering key topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation and market trends. These sessions are expected to offer practical knowledge and inspiration to attendees, further enhancing the Expo’s value.
