Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
Government has gazetted the Host Country Agreement for the IATFCO Entities between Zimbabwe and the African Export-Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, marking a significant milestone in the country’s integration into continental trade systems.
This follows Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO), a development that positions the country closer to the centre of Africa’s expanding trade network under the AfCFTA.
The establishment of the headquarters is expected to stimulate economic activity through increased business tourism, trade exhibitions and high-level conferences, further strengthening Zimbabwe’s role as a regional trade hub.
According to the Government Gazette, the agreement sets out comprehensive provisions to be undertaken by the Government to support the successful hosting of the IATFCO entities.
Among the key commitments, Government shall “waive import and customs duties for goods and products temporarily imported for exhibition at, or operations of, the IAATF, with a minimum threshold of USD 30 000 per IATF participant or exhibitor”.
Authorities will also “ensure an efficient process for the re-exportation or return of unsold or unused goods, tools, or service items for exhibitors as well as goods or service items used in the operations of the IATF; provide marketing and promotion support for the IATF, including by- launching extensive on ground marketing efforts within its borders; mobilising local businesses and industry leaders to participate in the IATF; and advertising the IATF on national media outlets, government websites, and tourism platforms”.
In addition, Government shall ensure visa waivers — or, where not feasible, visa-on-arrival — for all IATF participants and exhibitors, alongside dedicated infrastructure at ports of entry and exit to facilitate smooth and efficient movement.
The agreement further obligates authorities to facilitate ease of movement for participants by providing private shuttle services to and from IATF venues, while expanding existing public transport routes to connect major hotels and key areas of Harare with exhibition sites.
Government will also be responsible for providing office and exhibition facilities for the IATFCO entities, with infrastructure expected to meet international standards comparable to leading global trade fair venues.
The facilities should have “at least 50 000-60 000 square meters of gross exhibition space and permanent exhibition and conference facilities that meets international standards, ensuring ample room for exhibitors and attendees.
Additionally it should include a conference hall capable of comfortably accommodating a minimum of 5000 attendees for plenary sessions.”
They are expected to be located within a 15-kilometre radius of a major airport with direct African connections, as well as near key hotels and recreational facilities in Harare.
Further specifications include four “breakout rooms, each with a capacity for 500 delegates, to facilitate focused sessions and discussions.
“Additionally. multipurpose rooms and offices are required for smooth event operations, encompassing executive and working offices, small meeting rooms, VIP lounges, waiting areas, and dedicated press, media and interview rooms.”
The establishment of the IATFCO headquarters has been widely hailed as a major opportunity to unlock new trade, investment and export growth prospects for Zimbabwe.
It also signals growing confidence in the country’s capacity to support Africa’s trade integration agenda and is set to elevate Zimbabwe’s status as a regional trade and investment hub.
The Intra-African Trade Fair, one of the continent’s largest trade promotion platforms, brings together policymakers, investors, exporters and financial institutions to facilitate trade deals, partnerships and market linkages.
With the IATFCO headquarters now set for Harare, Zimbabwe will host regular trade exhibitions, conferences and business engagements involving key stakeholders from across Africa.
Online Reporter