Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has urged businesses and investors to align themselves with Beitbridge town’s evolving identity as a 24/7 commercial powerhouse.
For decades, Beitbridge has been known as a stopover and a gateway for travellers and commercial trucks headed to or from South Africa.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Richmond Ncube, Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in his office during the just-ended Beitbridge Expo, Minister Nguluvhe said the Beitbridge 24/7 vision should no longer be viewed as aspirational, but essential.
He noted that the border town is being reimagined as a bustling, 24-hour economic hub where business doesn’t just pass through, but stays, grows and thrives.
Minister Nguluvhe said since the Beitbridge Border Post operates around the clock, local businesses must adjust their operations to match that rhythm.
“It encapsulates our aspirations to transform Beitbridge into a truly dynamic, continuously operating hub of commerce, logistics and innovation. As our border post operates around the clock hence it’s essential that local businesses adjust their operations to maximise opportunities and cater to the needs of traders and travellers,” he said.
Beitbridge Border Post, arguably the busiest inland port of entry in Sub-Saharan Africa, already operates 24 hours a day, facilitating billions of dollars in trade annually. Yet, the town surrounding it remains largely dormant after dark, limiting the potential to harness that continuous flow of goods and people.
Minister Nguluvhe said unlocking the full potential of Beitbridge’s strategic location would mean reimagining service delivery, from extended retail hours to round-the-clock restaurants, warehousing, logistics support and even hospitality services tailored to the needs of both travellers and freight operators.
“For too long, Beitbridge has been primarily viewed as a transit point-a gateway to neighbouring countries. While its strategic location is undeniably its greatest asset, the Beitbridge 24\7 vision challenges us to look beyond the transient,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised that a fully functioning 24-hour economy could drive job creation, improve service delivery, raise living standards in the border town, and ultimately contribute to national development goals.
“A 24/7 economy opens up a myriad of possibilities. It means business operating extended hours, creating more jobs and catering to a wider array of needs. It’s about building a robust local economy that supports and is supported by this continuous flow,” he said.
“Let’s think about the potential for warehousing, manufacturing, hospitality and service industries that cater to a constant stream of activity.”
The Beitbridge Business Expo, which ran under the theme “Beitbridge 24/7”, was hailed as the most successful since its inception, attracting over 150 exhibitors from across Zimbabwe and a few from neighbouring South Africa.
Vice chairperson of the expo organising committee, Mr Nqobile Ncube, said this year’s edition was a result of widespread consultations with civic leaders and community stakeholders, aligning with the Government’s whole-of-Government approach
“This year, we extensively consulted across sectors, including civic leaders and residents’ association leaders, among others. We are pleased to report that this is the first expo that had a 100 percent stand uptake on the first day,” he said.
“This is also the expo with the highest walk-through traffic since inception. We are indebted to the city leaders for supporting our engagement initiatives.”
Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the local authority allocated the Beitbridge Business Expo a total of 13 hectares of land along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road to establish a permanent expo venue, replacing the temporary set-up at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
“We appreciate the support from our partners and our doors are open to investors as we seek to grow our town in terms of infrastructure and economic development. We are ready to facilitate a seamless investment process,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
The Beitbridge Business Expo offers more than just exhibition space. It provides networking, investment facilitation and capacity building opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
