Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
BOTSWANA President Duma Boko is set to officially open the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the country’s premier annual trade showcase, as preparations gather momentum for the regional exhibition in Bulawayo.
The trade fair will run from April 20 to 25 under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” with the official opening ceremony scheduled for April 23 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City.
ZITF remains one of the largest multi-sectoral trade exhibitions in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting exhibitors, investors and business delegates from across the region and beyond.
So far, a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486, who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time, while a total space of 49 100 m2 representing 93 percent of the total available exhibition space has been booked.
In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the build-up to the 2026 ZITF includes ongoing comprehensive stakeholder engagements encompassing the private sector and local embassies to promote broader participation.
“Cabinet received an update report by the Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding the state of preparedness for the upcoming 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which will run from 20 to 25 April 2026.
“The 2026 Trade Fair will run under the theme ‘Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,’ and is expected to be officially opened on the 23rd April, 2026 by His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana,” he said.
“This year’s ZITF theme underscores the significance of regional trade, cross-border collaboration, and promotion of resilient supply chains in line with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
Dr Soda said strategic discussions are also underway with air services such as Air Zimbabwe, Fast Jet, and Ethiopian Airlines, among others, to facilitate increased flight frequency to ensure seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period.
“Cabinet noted that a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time. A total space of 49 100 m2 representing 93 percent of the total available exhibition space has been booked,” he said.
“Additionally, foreign participation is positive with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 different countries in the region and beyond confirmed, compared to the 17 recorded in 2025.”
Key highlights of the ZITF programme include various business and strategic engagements, the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, the Youth in Business Festival, the Welcome Cocktail, the ZITF Innovators Forum, the
Connect Africa Symposium, the Diplomats Forum and a Charity Golf Challenge, among many others.
