Online Reporter
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
BUSINESSES in Bulawayo have been called on to capitalise on the twin industry showcases — the Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) 2025 and the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference and Expo (AfriConfex) 2025, which are set to provide them opportunities to grow their enterprises and generate the much-needed income.
The expos, running concurrently from Wednesday until Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Conference Smart City (ZIECS) in Bulawayo, have drawn hundreds of exhibitors and delegates from across the globe, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a regional hub for mining, infrastructure and industrial innovation.
During such events, Bulawayo witnesses a hive of activity as Government officials, local and foreign exhibitors as well as different sector players among others converge on the city.
These Expos just like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in April provide a platform for Bulawayo companies to rise to the occasion and put themselves on the world map by creating new partnerships and synergies.
In an interview, Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), vice-chairperson, Ms Sithabile Bhebhe said such events were a major boost for business in the city.
“Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should take advantage of the Expos just like they do during ZITF to grow their enterprises and generate the much-needed income. They should participate where they can and exhibit their products and services,” she said.
She said those in sectors such as the food industry, tourism and transport among others should ensure they provide products and services that can make them get more visibility.
Ms Bhebhe said these provided critical opportunities that can ensure MSMEs contribute to the growth of their businesses and gross domestic product (GDP) of the city as well as the country.
“MSMEs should use these platforms to market their products to a wider and more diverse populace. Local industries in different sectors should promote and get strategic partners for their businesses.”
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter past vice-president and businessman, Mr Louis Herbst said such events also promote infrastructure development and renovations in the city.
“Such Expos are a major boost to the Bulawayo business ecosystem and as business we are always optimistic about the benefits we get from them. Complementing ZITF which is a major boost for our city and country at large, Mine Entra and AfriConfex are key to economic development,” he said.
He encouraged all business players to attend conferences and sideline events that take place during the Expos to establish strategic business ties with local, regional and international businesses partners.
Held under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” Mine Entra 2025 will focus on sustainability, technology and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, a key driver of national economic growth.
While, AfriConfex 2025, themed “Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution,” will bring together architects, engineers, urban planners, financiers and policymakers to deliberate on the future of infrastructure development, with an emphasis on climate-resilient and sustainable urban growth.
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