Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
The 29th edition of Mine Entra has emerged as a major economic catalyst for Bulawayo, with Government saying the country’s flagship mining, engineering and transport exhibition continues to strengthen the city’s position as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub while promoting investment and value addition in the mining sector.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said the growing participation of local and international exhibitors reflected Mine Entra’s rising stature as Zimbabwe’s premier platform for mining, engineering, transport, industrial innovation and investment promotion.
Minister Ncube said the exhibition had evolved over nearly three decades into much more than a trade showcase.
“It has become a national platform where ideas are exchanged, technologies are showcased, investments are initiated and partnerships are forged,” she said.
“We are immensely proud that this prestigious event has made our province its home.
“Every edition of Mine Entra reinforces Bulawayo’s position as Zimbabwe’s industrial capital and strengthens our dedication as a traditional centre for engineering excellence, manufacturing, logistics, innovation and mining support services.”
She said this year’s theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Engineering Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains,” is aligned with the Government’s Vision 2030 of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy through industrialisation and value addition.
Minister Ncube said the country’s mineral wealth would only realise its full potential through beneficiation and manufacturing.
“It challenges us to invest in exploration, embrace innovation, modernise our mining operations, strengthen beneficiation, and expand local manufacturing so that Zimbabwe derives maximum value from its abundant natural resources,” she said.
She said Mine Entra also delivers immediate economic benefits to Bulawayo by stimulating activity across key sectors of the local economy.
“Mine Entra is not only important to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, it is equally important to the economy of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province,” she said.
She noted that the annual exhibition boosts business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and small enterprises.
“Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, small businesses, exhibitors, artisans, and informal traders all benefit from the economic activity we achieve during this period,” said Minister Ncube.
The exhibition, she added, also provides local companies with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, access new markets, attract investment and establish strategic commercial partnerships.
Minister Ncube said the increasing number of exhibitors, growing international participation and expanding business engagements demonstrated confidence in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and Bulawayo’s ability to host world-class business events.
Addressing international investors, she said their participation reflected growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s investment climate.
“As Government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes investment, policy consistency, infrastructure development and ease of doing business,” she said.
She urged delegates to use the exhibition to forge partnerships that strengthen mining value chains and support inclusive economic growth.
“Sustainable mining is not measured solely by the minerals we extract, but by the industries we establish, the communities we uplift, the jobs we create, and the prosperity we leave for future generations,” said Minister Ncube.
The three-day exhibition, which began on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, reaches its climax today.
The President is being represented by Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
