Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge Business Expo has developed a masterplan to construct a modern showground on 26 hectares of land—13ha of which is held by the local municipality—in a move set to redefine the border town’s events and investment landscape.
Expo chairperson Dr Anna Muleya announced the milestone on Saturday during the third edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo Corporate and People’s Choice Awards.
Speaking in the presence of dignitaries including Vice President Kembo Mohadi and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Dr Muleya said the facility would be modelled on the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to match Beitbridge’s rapid transformation.
The showgrounds are being developed through a partnership between the Business Expo, the local municipality, and other stakeholders. It is one of several infrastructure initiatives being driven by public-private partnerships as Beitbridge pursues city status.
With land secured and a masterplan in place, Dr Muleya said the next phase is to attract investment for phased infrastructure development.
“We remain deeply grateful to our strategic partner, the Municipality of Beitbridge, for the allocation of land that has given tangible expression to our long-term vision.
“We have since secured the site, drilled a borehole, constructed a caretaker’s cabin, and developed a masterplan. We are now preparing a marketing compendium to present the envisaged infrastructure and the opportunities available to exhibitors and investors,” she said.
The showgrounds, which follow the ZITF model, are envisioned as a permanent home for trade exhibitions, agricultural shows, civic events and regional investor forums.
Dr Muleya said proceeds from Saturday’s awards would directly contribute to construction, making the event more than a celebration of excellence.
