Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
ALL is set for the annual Mine Entra Expo, which this year runs concurrently with the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference and Expo (Africonfex) and kicks off today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Conference Smart City (ZIECS) in Bulawayo.
About 240 exhibitors have confirmed participation in the twin industrial showcases, which end on Friday. The expos bring together players from the mining, engineering, transport and construction sectors to network, forge partnerships and discuss key challenges affecting their operations.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open Mine Entra 2025 tomorrow while Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona will preside over the official opening of Africonfex today.
This year’s Mine Entra runs under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” while Africonfex’s theme is “Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution.”
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chairperson Dr Busisa Moyo said exhibitors started setting up their stands earlier in the week and were yesterday putting final touches ahead of the opening today.
“The City of Bulawayo is in a peak state of preparedness with various stakeholders in the hospitality, transport, utility and emergency services sector having assured us that they are ready to welcome the influx of regional and international delegates,” said Dr Moyo.
“The two events have attracted significant participation, with 240 exhibitors expected to participate. This figure includes 16 international direct exhibitors representing four countries, which are the People’s Republic of China, India, South Africa and the United Kingdom.”
Dr Moyo said exhibitors span a diverse range of sectors essential to the mining value chain, including heavy and light equipment suppliers, engineering firms and green technology providers, transport, logistics and financial and support services.
He described the co-location of Mine Entra and Africonfex as a strategic decision to enhance cross-sector collaboration, noting that “the future of mining is inextricably linked to sustainable energy, robust infrastructure and efficient logistics.”
“The conference will commence with the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum spearheaded by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. After this forum, there will be a seminar on ESG and sustainability in the mining industry that will feature keynote speakers and panellists from the mining industry and associated industries,” said Dr Moyo.
“We expect President Mnangagwa to officially open the exhibition and conference, accompanied by the Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chidando.”
The programme begins with the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, followed by a seminar on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and sustainability in the mining industry, featuring experts and industry leaders.
On Friday, focus will shift to small to medium-scale miners through the Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation conference, which will explore sustainable practices and value chain integration for the artisanal mining sector. The exhibitions will conclude with the Mine Entra Charity Golf Challenge Tournament, whose proceeds will support individuals living with albinism through the Albinism Connect initiative to acquire a mobile skin clinic.
Both expos are expected to generate new business leads, partnerships, and technology transfers, while showcasing opportunities aligned with the country’s industrialisation and infrastructure transformation agenda.
The convergence of mining and infrastructure stakeholders also comes at a time when Zimbabwe is expanding its mineral beneficiation drive and investing heavily in roads, energy and transport systems to support rapid industrial growth.
Meanwhile, players in both the mining and construction sectors have applauded the expo’s ability to bridge the gap between policymakers, potential investors, suppliers, and other critical stakeholders in the industry.
Since its inception in 1995, Mine Entra has evolved into becoming Zimbabwe’s premier platform for showcasing innovation, investment, and collaboration in the mining, engineering and transport sectors. It is organised by the ZITF Company in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe.
