Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
HARARE Metropolitan province is gearing up to host the 2029 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) with plans to transform the Zimbabwe agricultural showgrounds and build a 15 000-seater convention centre at the Robert Mugabe Square.
Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the headquarters of the IATF Company is set to significantly bolster the country’s economic prospects, positioning it as a strategic hub for continental trade and investment.
Speaking at the launch of the Urban and Peri-Urban Resilience through Investment for Sustainable Ecosystem in Zimbabwe — Sustainable Cities Integrated Project in Bulawayo recently, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan province, Senator Charles Tawengwa, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Shingirayi Mashamba, said the event would position Harare as the host for Africa’s US$3,5 trillion trade market.
“The agricultural showgrounds are going to be transformed. What is called Robert Mugabe Square, the mayor and the Government are working tirelessly behind the scenes to construct a 15 000-seater convention centre there,” said Minister Tawengwa.
The province has been mandated to accommodate over 25 000 guests within a 40km radius.
Currently, Harare has about 11 500 three-star hotel rooms, leaving a significant deficit to meet the target.
“We have a huge responsibility to develop the infrastructure required to successfully host the fair,” said the minister.
“The work is predominantly in ensuring we put up the best face of Zimbabwe through what will be happening in that 40km radius, which coincides with Harare Metropolitan province.”
IATF2025, which was held in Algiers, generated US$48 billion in deals, with the host country securing US$11,5 billion.
Minister Tawengwa said securing even half that value would add US$5 billion-US$6 billion to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The minister said under an agreement with the IATF Company, Harare will host the fair annually for five years.
If hosted in 2029, Zimbabwe can choose to hold it for five consecutive years or alternate years until the cycle is complete.
He said a series of sector-specific mini trade fairs will lead up to 2029, starting with mining in 2027, followed by agriculture, information technology (IT), infrastructure, and higher and tertiary education.
The fair is expected to draw over 150 000 people before, during and after the event, boosting tourism in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and rural communities.
Harare Metropolitan province seeks to regularise and service dysfunctional settlements within the 40km radius to improve the city’s appearance and living standards.
Minister Tawengwa said the province wants to modernise existing settlements to 2030 standards, with 24/7 access to water, energy, health facilities and emergency services.
It is also working on upgrading markets, as well as entertainment and tourism infrastructure to showcase Zimbabwean culture, cuisine and heritage, including Ramsar sites like Mona Valley.
Minister Tawengwa said roads, water, electricity, accommodation and air transport must be ready.
“Our airline industry has to be robust so people are able to be ferried into and out of Harare,” he said.
The Sustainable Cities Integrated Project is positioned as the flagship environmental preparation for the fair, ensuring Harare and Bulawayo are ready to host a continental event.
“Beyond that, the world will be watching. We have to put our shoulders to the deck and ensure we move this agenda,” said Minister Tawengwa.
Zimbabwe secured the right to host the IATF Company headquarters during IATF2025 in Algiers, beating strong competition from several African nations, including South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.
The decision, organisers said, is part of efforts to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the trade fair while deepening its alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a flagship initiative aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services.
Bongani Ndlovu