Bulawayo businesses start preparations for Mine Entra 2026

BULAWAYO businesses have started preparing for Zimbabwe’s premier mining, engineering and transport exhibition, Mine Entra 2026, scheduled for July 29 to 31, 2026, which promises to deliver world-class services.

Just like with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Bulawayo comes alive during Mine Entra and other showcases and expos, transforming the city into a buzzing marketplace of ideas, deals and spectacle.

Held at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s flagship mining expo and one of the largest such events in Southern Africa, will run under the theme: “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains.”

The ZITF Company will host the event in partnership with the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

The exhibition places mineral beneficiation, value addition and local supplier development at the centre of discussions as Zimbabwe seeks to maximise the economic benefits of its vast mineral resources.

In an interview, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter past vice-president and businessman, Mr Louis Herbst, said Mine Entra 2026 presents far more than just another exhibition.

“It is an opportunity for Bulawayo and Zimbabwean businesses to rethink how we approach growth and competitiveness. For our local mining sector, this should be viewed as a strategic opportunity to evaluate how operations can be upscaled to gain first-hand exposure to the latest technological advancements,” he said.

“Engineering innovations and productivity-enhancing solutions are equally important and we should be able to identify practical methods of improving efficiency and output. The companies that will lead tomorrow are those willing to embrace innovation today.”

He said that, as the business community, they must move beyond being satisfied with static growth.

Mr Herbst said standing still in today’s competitive environment is, in reality, moving backwards. At the same time, sustainable growth requires investment, continuous improvement and the willingness to challenge traditional ways of doing business.

He added: “Every investment carries an element of risk, but every successful business has been built by leaders who had the confidence and courage to invest in their vision. The greater risk is letting opportunities pass while others innovate and expand. Mine Entra showcases the technologies, partnerships and ideas capable of transforming operations.”

Mr Herbst called on every business attending to go with an open mind, engage with exhibitors, explore new technologies, build strategic relationships and most importantly, return with practical solutions that can be implemented to increase productivity and profitability.

He said Bulawayo has always been recognised as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub and events such as Mine Entra should remind businesses that the future will not be determined by what they have achieved in the past, but by the investments, innovation and bold decisions they make today.

“Lest we forget that Mine Entra is not only about mining. It is a catalyst for the entire regional economy. Every mine expansion creates demand for engineering services, transport logistics, equipment suppliers, technology companies, financial institutions, accommodation providers and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” he added.

“Bulawayo businesses should position themselves as part of this value chain rather than seeing the exhibition as an event solely for mining houses. No business grows in isolation.”

Mr Herbst said the strongest companies are those that build strategic partnerships, collaborate with technology providers, research institutions and financial partners, as well as share knowledge that drives innovation.

Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), vice-chairperson, Ms Sithabile Bhebhe, said Mine Entra was one of the major events that boost business in the city.

“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 the 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.”

Economic analyst, Mr Reginald Shoko, said such events also promote infrastructure development and renovations in the city.

“Such expos are a major boost to the Bulawayo business ecosystem and the business community is always optimistic about the benefits they get from them. Complementing ZITF, which is a major boost for our city and country at large, Mine Entra as well as AfriConfex, among other events, are key to economic development,” he said.

He encouraged businesses to attend conferences and sideline events during Mine Entra 2026 to establish strategic business ties with local, regional and international business partners.

In a recent interview, ZITF Company Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, said Mine Entra continues to position Zimbabwe’s mining sector as a catalyst for economic transformation by creating opportunities for investment, innovation and business partnerships.

He said the exhibition should facilitate meaningful engagements between industry players, investors and policymakers while showcasing the latest technologies shaping the future of mining.

“This year’s Mine Entra will bring together key stakeholders from across the mining value chain to explore investment opportunities, strengthen local participation and promote innovation that supports sustainable growth in the sector,” he said.

Mr Nkomo said organisers were also placing greater emphasis on ensuring that local manufacturers, engineering firms, transport companies and small-to-medium enterprises benefit from opportunities created through the mining industry.

Mining is a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing 12 to 15 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the past few years.

Furthermore, it has been a major contributor to the country’s export earnings, accounting for a staggering 60 percent of its total exports.