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BOTSWANA President Duma Boko is expected to officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair today, in a development that underscores the growing economic and diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
According to the official programme, President Boko will be received at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport by President Mnangagwa before the two Heads of State proceed to the trade fair grounds.
Before officially opening the premier trade showcase, Presidents Mnangagwa and Boko are scheduled to tour exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, where they will interact with exhibitors and appreciate the innovations and investment opportunities on display.
President Boko is in Zimbabwe as part of the Fifth Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), a platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries across various sectors.
The high-level engagement has already yielded significant outcomes, with 10 agreements signed on Wednesday during the BNC meeting held at State House in Harare.
Zimpapers Reporters Peter Matika, Rutendo Nyeve, Mashudu Netsianda are on the ground to give us live updates of proceedings.
Hundreds gather to welcome Presidents Boko, Mnangagwa
HUNDREDS have gathered at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in anticipation of the arrival of President Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart, Advocate Duma Boko, ahead of the official opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
The airport precinct has transformed into a vibrant arena of national pride and regional solidarity.
Men, women and children, some draped in national colours, are lined at designated points, and their excitement building with every passing moment.
Traditional dance troupes, clad in colourful regalia, intermittently broke into song and dance, adding rhythm and spectacle to the already electric atmosphere.
President arrives for official opening of 66th ZITF
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has arrived at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo for the official opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
The President arrived ahead of the official proceedings that will mark the opening of this year’s premier trade showcase, which has drawn local and international exhibitors, investors and business leaders.
President Mnangagwa was met at the airport by his two Vice Presidents, Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube, Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu among other Cabinet Ministers, Senior Government Officials and Zanu-PF members.
The event is expected to be officially opened by Botswana President Duma Boko, who is the guest of honour at this year’s exhibition.
President Boko is also expected to arrive at the airport shortly and will be welcomed by President Mnangagwa.
Botswana President arrives in Bulawayo for ZITF official opening
BOTSWANA President Duma Boko has arrived in Bulawayo ahead of the official opening of the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where he is expected to officiate alongside President Mnangagwa.
President Boko was received by President Mnangagwa, senior officials from the Presidency of Zimbabwe, led by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and senior Government officials.
The two leaders are expected to jointly preside over the official opening ceremony of the ZITF, held under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”
Presidents Mnangagwa, Boko arrive at ZITF grounds for official opening
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa and his Botswana counterpart, President Duma Boko, have arrived at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds ahead of the official opening of the 66th edition of the premier regional showcase.
The two Heads of State arrived at the exhibition venue on Thursday morning and were received by Vice Presidents Kembo Mohadi and General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga, senior Government officials and ZITF company representatives.
President Boko’s presence underscores the deepening bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, with trade and investment cooperation high on the agenda.
According to the official programme, the two leaders are expected to embark on a guided tour of selected exhibition stands before proceeding to the main arena for the formal opening ceremony later this afternoon.
The tour will allow them to engage with local and international exhibitors, showcasing innovations in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and technology.
Over 500 exhibitors from across the region and beyond are participating this year, highlighting Bulawayo’s status as a key industrial hub.
The official opening ceremony will feature an address by Presidents Boko Duma as well as presentation of awards
President Boko hails region’s industrialisation drive at ZITF
PRESIDENT Boko Duma has said the region is firmly on a positive trajectory towards industrialisation through value addition, citing impressive exhibitions at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
President Duma made the remarks shortly after touring various stands alongside his host, President Mnangagwa.
The two leaders visited several pavilions including Geo Pomona, the Botswana national stand, the European Union delegation, CMED, and key ZANU PF exhibits.
“The region wants to industrialise and industrialise very fast, so we must produce the raw material and then convert this raw material into goods that we can then deploy in our development agenda,” President Duma said.
He expressed excitement at the diversity of local enterprise on display.
“I have seen here many companies, large and small, involved in many sectors – agriculture, construction, food, agro-processing, leather. It’s a brilliant, brilliant initiative. You can see that our people are up and coming, and young people are also involved in tech and artificial intelligence,” he said.
He emphasised that the region is shifting from being a passive consumer.
“It shows that we are not just now recipients, but we are purveyors of knowledge; we are generators of knowledge as well, making world-class products. This ZITF has showcased that. Brilliant. We know there’s a lot that they are doing,” he said.
Zimbabwe, Botswana partnership key to regional industrial growth
ZIMBABWE stands ready to liberate its strong relationship with Botswana to accelerate both nations’ industrial transformation journey, the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
Speaking at the official opening the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on Thursday, Minister Ndlovu said the fair’s theme, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, speaks directly to the reality that no nation can prosper in isolation.
“It underscores the importance of strong partnerships, regional integration, and deliberate building of competitive industries that can thrive on both regional and global markets,” he said.
He reflected on the deep historical bonds between Harare and Gaborone.
“Today’s occasion is not only a celebration of trade and industry, but also a reflection of the lasting and friendly relationship between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Botswana. Our true nation is true. It is a home that goes beyond geography. It is a relationship forged in history, strengthened through solidarity, and sustained by a shared vision for prosperity and development,” he said.
He recalled Botswana’s support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“During Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, Botswana stood firm as a friend and ally, providing critical support and sanctuary to those who fought for our independence. That spirit of solidarity laid the foundation for the strong diplomatic relationship,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said that solidarity now extends into the economic sphere, where both nations continue to deepen cooperation and expand opportunities for mutual growth.
As members of SADC, Zimbabwe and Botswana are guided by a shared commitment to regional integration, trade facilitation, and economic transformation.
Beyond economics, he noted strong cultural ties and shared heritage, citing the Greater Mapungubwe Trans-Frontier Conservation Area as a powerful symbol of joint effort in preserving shared heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.
“Zimbabwe stands ready to liberate its strong relationship with Botswana to accelerate both nations’ industrial transformation journey
“By strengthened incorporation, sharing experiences, and fostering joint initiatives, our two nations can build more resilient and competitive industries. Together, we can unlock new opportunities in value chains and health productivity and position our economies to benefit more meaningfully from regional and global trends,” he said.
The ZITF, running under the theme Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, has drawn exhibitors from across the region and beyond, reflecting growing momentum for cross-border industrial cooperation.
Botswana President Boko officially opens ZITF 2026, lauds Zimbabwe’s economic resurgence
BOTSWANA President Duma Boko has hailed Zimbabwe’s economic resurgence, saying the country is a rising regional force whose growth is inspiring confidence across Southern Africa and the continent.
Speaking at the official opening of the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo on Thursday, President Boko said Zimbabwe’s economy had recorded commendable growth rate of 6,6 percent in 2025, marking a strong macroeconomic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
“We appreciate that Zimbabwe is rising. The Zimbabwean economy is now buoyant and this phenomenal growth inspires confidence not just in your country, but in the region and ultimately across Africa,” he said.
President Boko commended the Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa for steering the country towards macroeconomic stabilisation.
He said the progress being recorded positions Zimbabwe as a key player in regional economic integration.
“The world is watching as your leadership steers the country towards not just sustainable, but inclusive economic growth,” said President Boko.
He expressed optimism that the gains would translate into tangible improvements and uplift marginalised communities.
The Botswana leader also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, rooted in the shared liberation struggle, saying these bonds continue to underpin strong bilateral cooperation.
“As neighbours, Botswana and Zimbabwe share more than just a border. We share history, culture and a collective vision for a prosperous and integrated Africa,” he said.
President Boko further highlighted growing trade and investment linkages between the two countries, citing Botswana companies that are already benefiting from Zimbabwe’s infrastructure boom.
He made reference to a Botswana-based firm supplying construction materials to ongoing projects in Zimbabwe, saying its evidence of expanding economic opportunities driven by the country’s development trajectory.
“Zimbabwe remains a critical trading partner for Botswana, particularly as one of our key non-diamond export destinations,” he said.
President Boko also applauded the participation of Botswana businesses and Government agencies at this year’s ZITF, noting that such engagements strengthen market access and deepen economic cooperation.
The ZITF, the country’s premier trade showcase continues to serve as a strategic platform for trade, investment and industrial collaboration, drawing exhibitors from across the region and beyond.
President Boko urged African nations to move beyond policy frameworks and accelerate practical implementation of trade agreements, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Intra-African trade remains low at around 15 percent. We must transition from frameworks to function, from agreements to action,” he said.
President Boko called for urgent removal of non-tariff barriers, including border inefficiencies and regulatory bottlenecks, which continue to hinder trade and increase the cost of doing business.
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derick.khumalo