Beitbridge Business Expo unveils plan for 26-hectare showgrounds

THE Beitbridge Business Expo and People’s Choice Awards is steadily outgrowing its original scope, with each edition drawing more exhibitors, investors and members of the public. What began as a modest annual event has now taken on a much larger role, reflecting the growing ambitions of the border town itself. The expo is no longer just a gathering for businesses to showcase their products and services; it is becoming a key driver in reshaping how Beitbridge is viewed, both locally and nationally.

This year, organisers have taken a major step forward by unveiling a comprehensive masterplan for a modern 26-hectare showground. The proposed facility is expected to anchor Beitbridge’s transformation into a 24-hour economy, providing a permanent space for business, trade and community activities. The vision signals a clear shift from hosting temporary exhibitions to building long-term infrastructure that can support sustained economic growth.

Expo chairperson Dr Anna Muleya announced this development during last Saturday’s third edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo Corporate and People’s Choice Awards, which was held at Ronnie’s Arena along the road leading to Masvingo. The event itself highlighted how much the expo has grown in a short time, attracting increasing attention from various stakeholders across the country.

The growing significance of the expo was further underlined by high-level representation at the event. Vice President Kembo Mohadi delegated the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, to attend and lead proceedings on his behalf. Such involvement signals the importance being placed on the initiative at national level, as authorities begin to recognise its potential contribution to economic development.

What started simply as an annual exhibition is now evolving into a permanent development project. The planned showgrounds will be located along the road linking Beitbridge to Bulawayo, opposite the Mabidi low-density suburb. This strategic location is expected to make the facility easily accessible and visible, positioning it as a central hub for business and community events in the area.

The new showgrounds are expected to be modelled on the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, one of the country’s most established exhibition platforms. Once completed, the facility will operate throughout the year, hosting a wide range of activities including trade exhibitions, agricultural shows, civic events and regional investor forums. This approach is designed to ensure that the infrastructure is fully utilised and continues to generate economic activity beyond a single annual event.

Progress towards this vision is already underway.

“We have since secured the site, drilled a borehole, constructed a caretaker’s cabin, and developed a master plan. We are now preparing a marketing compendium to present the envisaged infrastructure and the opportunities available to exhibitors and investors,” said Dr Muleya.

These initial steps mark a tangible move from planning to implementation, giving confidence that the project can move forward.

The facility will sit on 26 hectares of land, with the Beitbridge Municipality contributing 13 hectares. The development is being driven through public-private partnerships, an approach that is increasingly being used to deliver large-scale projects by combining resources from both Government and private investors. This model is expected to accelerate progress while ensuring that the facility meets both public and commercial expectations.

Dr Muleya noted that the growth of the expo reflects the broader transformation taking place in Beitbridge. Each successive edition has expanded the platform for emerging enterprises and a variety of sectors, while also encouraging exhibitors to tailor their offerings to suit ordinary residents. In doing so, the expo is playing a role in making business opportunities more inclusive and relevant to the local community.

“This evening also advances a strategic developmental objective for our town, as the proceeds from this event will contribute towards the construction of the Beitbridge Showgrounds, an important community asset that will enhance our capacity to host business, agricultural, and civic events at a higher standard,” she said.

The awards ceremony, therefore, served a dual purpose — both as a celebration of business excellence and as a practical fundraising initiative to support the new project.

Several Beitbridge-based businesses, including Minister Nguluvhe, have already pledged material support towards the development. This growing support base is important, as it demonstrates a shared commitment among local stakeholders to see the project succeed. The involvement of the private sector is particularly critical in ensuring that the showgrounds become a sustainable and high-quality facility.

For many years, Beitbridge has largely been viewed as a transit town, mainly associated with cross-border movement into South Africa. While this has brought economic activity, it has also limited the town’s identity to that of a corridor rather than a destination. The development of the showgrounds is intended to help change that narrative by creating a platform where local manufacturing, innovation and enterprise can be properly showcased.

“As the Beitbridge Business Expo, we aspire to see every sector participate meaningfully in shaping local prosperity, and to witness Beitbridge evolve from a town defined primarily by transit and consumption into a flourishing centre of production, enterprise, and opportunity,” Dr Muleya said.

This vision speaks to a broader goal of building a more balanced local economy that is not solely dependent on border traffic.

The chairperson also emphasised that the project aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 and the Government’s whole-of-government approach to economic development. These frameworks aim to promote investment, industrialisation and improved ease of doing business. By positioning the showgrounds within this national agenda, organisers are seeking to attract wider support and ensure that the project contributes to broader development goals.

Dr Muleya commended authorities for taking steps to improve the business environment, including rationalising licensing processes, removing duplication and reducing regulatory charges. Such measures are expected to lower the cost of doing business and make it easier for both local and external investors to participate in projects like the showgrounds.

With land secured and a masterplan already in place, the next stage will focus on attracting investors to support phased infrastructure development. This will likely include building exhibition halls, conference facilities and other essential amenities over time, depending on available resources and demand.

Dr Muleya also expressed gratitude to the Municipality of Beitbridge for allocating the land, noting that this support has given practical meaning to the expo’s long-term vision. Without such backing, the transition from concept to reality would have been far more difficult.

As the expo itself continues to grow, organisers have also taken steps to strengthen its credibility and reach. This year’s awards process was deliberately improved, with refinements to the voting system, an expansion of recognition categories and the introduction of a more rigorous audit process. These measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and building trust among participants and the wider public.