mbulelo smpofu
Rutendo Nyeve
MOBILE network giant Econet Wireless Zimbabwe stole the spotlight at the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), walking away with four prestigious awards, including the Presidential Award for the Supreme Zimbabwean Exhibit.
This year’s trade showcase, held under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,” celebrated innovation, creativity and sectoral excellence. It drew hundreds of exhibitors and delegates from across the globe, creating a highly competitive environment.
ZITF Board Chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo, described the 2025 edition as overwhelmingly subscribed, with 574 direct exhibitors, and a 91 percent increase in foreign participation, reflecting the growing international appeal of the county’s premier trade showcase.
“Winners for sectoral competitions were determined according to various criteria including visual impression, originality, availability of information and quality of personnel on the stand. Emphasis was also placed on the relevance of the exhibit to the ZITF 2025 theme,” said Mr Moyo.
Econet Wireless scooped awards in the following categories: Best Thematic Representation, for aligning its exhibition with the industrialisation theme, Best ICT Exhibit, for showcasing cutting-edge technological solutions, Presidential Award for the Supreme Zimbabwean Exhibit, designed by Davies Events, recognising overall excellence and Most Experiential Zimbabwean Exhibit, for delivering an immersive and engaging visitor experience.
Econet Group chief executive officer, Dr Douglas Mboweni welcomed the awards, saying they were a reflection of the company’s concerted efforts to drive digital transformation in Zimbabwe.
“We are honoured and humbled to receive these awards, which are a testament to our commitment to driving economic empowerment through innovation and the latest technologies,” he said.
“We are grateful to all our customers, both consumer and enterprise customers, for their support, and for the support we continue to receive from our various stakeholders, including our regulators and the Government through our parent ministry and other public players.”
While Econet dominated the awards, several other Zimbabwean enterprises also shone in their respective categories.
Under the energy sector, the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC) claimed the top spot for best energy exhibit while the National Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe (NMBZ) won the best financial services exhibit.
Under the tourism and travel category, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) secured first place with Dinson Iron and Steel earning accolades for its industrial innovations under the mining and engineering category.
Tanganda Tea Company which was also placed third in the thematic category won the best agribusiness exhibit.
Notable first-time exhibitor, Advance Fire Engineers impressed judges, winning the best first-time exhibit while the Zimbabwe Republic Police came first under the public enterprise exhibit.
China received the Chairman’s Award for the country with the most corporate awards while the British Embassy in Harare won the supreme foreign exhibit designed by their technical works department.
The European Union Delegation and Belarus jointly secured the International Trade and Engagement award.
Other winners included the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) for the best education exhibit, Home of Zanu-PF for standing out in SME representation while the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development won the Caltex Floating Trophy for the best agricultural Stand.
The Scholastica Indaba Debate saw Lian Moyo from the Bulawayo Junior Council crowned champion, while Midlands State University’s Team Chemcay won the Innovators Forum for their locally built water treatment plant. –@nyeve14
Online Reporter