Bulawayo to host another major exhibition

Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor

BULAWAYO will next month host another major exhibition, the specialised Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Exhibition (AfriConfex) at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).

Early this month the city hosted the country’s premier Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra), while last month the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo was also held in the country’s second-largest city.

In a statement, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele revealed that the infrastructure conference will be held from 6 to 8 November, running under the theme “Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth”.

He said the theme underscores the critical importance of sustainable infrastructure development in African cities.

“This event, the largest of its kind in Zimbabwe, aligns with the Government’s ambitious plan to establish a middle-class economy by 2030.

AfriConfex 2024 offers a unique platform for indigenous contractors, equipment suppliers, and materials providers to showcase their expertise, explore regional and international opportunities, and stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and legal frameworks within the infrastructure and built environment sector.

“The event’s focus is on promoting collaboration and growth in the construction and infrastructure development sectors, facilitating networking among professionals, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions, and educating attendees on trends, best practices, and regulatory issues,” said Dr Ndebele.

He said the event diary will include an exhibition (6-8 November), workshops (6 November), and the AfriConfex Conference and Official Opening (7 November).

Dr Ndebele said participation opportunities are available for exhibitors to connect with key stakeholders, showcase their products and services, and engage in meaningful discussions that can lead to potential collaborations and partnerships.

“During the workshops, industry experts will delve into the role of sustainable infrastructure in driving economic growth and promoting resilience in African cities. The panellists will highlight the importance of industry innovation, sustainable urban planning, climate action, and partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Human-Centred Innovation in Real Estate Development discussions will focus on the need to update and modernise existing infrastructure to meet the needs of changing cities and populations, designing new infrastructure and upgrading existing infrastructure to cater to growing populations, optimising transportation systems, water and waste management, and utilising smart technologies such as BIM to improve efficiency,” said Dr Ndebele.

He further revealed that the final workshop session will cover methods of funding and financing infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships, Government funding, and innovative financing models, as well as overcoming financial barriers and promoting sustainable infrastructure development that fosters private-public sector partnerships.

“The conference boasts an impressive speaker line-up, featuring notable industry leaders from renowned organisations across the construction and built environment sectors. These esteemed experts will lead discussions centred around the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of infrastructure development in Africa, including sustainable urban planning, climate-resilient design, innovative financing models and public -private partnerships.

“Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and practical solutions that will empower them to drive progress within their respective fields,” said Dr Ndebele.

He further highlighted the country’s technological advancements in the built environment industry, noting that platforms such as AfriConfex undoubtedly nurture future collaborations and partnerships among industry thought leaders and their regional counterparts.

“National developments such as the Geo Pomona waste management plant attracted interest from visiting presidents during the 44th SADC Summit held in August, with Botswana and Zimbabwe teams recently establishing areas of co-operation in waste management at the invitation of Botswana President His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi. This development showcases the country’s technological advancement in the built environment industry,” said Dr Ndebele.