Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
THE City of Bulawayo is conducting a corporate survey to capture insights into key gaps, challenges and emerging issues affecting the city’s corporate and industrial sectors and residents and key stakeholders have been invited to participate in the exercise.
The survey forms part of preparations for the 2026 annual Bulawayo Economic Development Conference (BEDCON) and the City of Bulawayo Research and Innovation Seminar (COBRIS).
The inaugural BEDCON, which was designed to tackle economic challenges facing local businesses and drive sustainable growth, was held in April last year.
In a statement, Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the survey was a critical step towards ensuring that the two flagship platforms remain aligned with the city’s economic realities and development aspirations.
“The City of Bulawayo is inviting residents and stakeholders to participate in a corporate survey as it prepares to host the 2026 annual Bulawayo Economic Development Conference (BEDCON) and the City of Bulawayo Research and Innovation Seminar (COBRIS),” reads the statement.
According to the local authority, the survey is designed to capture first-hand perspectives from businesses, industry players, professionals, researchers and the broader community on the operating environment in Bulawayo.
“The corporate survey is aimed at gathering insights on key gaps, challenges and emerging issues currently faced by the corporate and industrial sectors in Bulawayo,” the statement said.
The City emphasised that the exercise is not merely consultative, but a strategic research tool intended to ground BEDCON and COBRIS in evidence-based realities.
By identifying constraints, opportunities and innovation needs, the local authority believes the survey will help shape practical, solution-driven discussions during the 2026 events.
Addressing concerns around data privacy, the City reassured participants that strict ethical standards would be observed throughout the process.
“The City assures residents and stakeholders that the data collected will be used for research purposes only,” the statement said.
The findings are expected to play a central role in shaping the direction and substance of both platforms, which have become important spaces for dialogue on investment, industrial revival, innovation and sustainable urban development.
“Outcomes from the research findings will inform the development of conference and seminar themes, pillars, and focus areas, ensuring that BEDCON and COBRIS remains relevant, responsive and solutions-oriented.”
Bongani Ndlovu