malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE 27th edition of Mine Entra starts on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The event will run up to Friday.
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the official opening of Mine Entra 2024 is scheduled for Thursday.
He said President Mnangagwa will officially open the exhibition.
“The Mine Entra Conference and official opening will take place on Thursday, with discussions on sustainable mining practices, technological innovations and investment opportunities across Africa,” said Dr Ndebele.
“We are honoured to have the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, deliver the keynote address and officially open the exhibition.”
This year’s event is bigger than the previous edition.
According to the organisers, the exhibition area has already surpassed last year’s, with 8 406 square metres of space taken up by 254 direct exhibitors, which is an increase from the 6 544 square metres occupied by 204 exhibitors at the final tally for Mine Entra 2023.
Dr Ndebele said this year’s edition will also have a stronger international presence.
“To date 19 international exhibitors have signed up, representing four foreign nations — China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and South Africa.
“This is an increase from the 12 international exhibitors from three countries in the previous edition.”
Dr Ndebele said everything is in place for the event.
“Our teams and service providers are on the ground putting final touches to preparations to ensure that we deliver a seamless experience for our exhibitors, buyers and delegates.
“We expect our out-of-town exhibitors to start arriving this weekend and we are ready to receive them,” he said.
Mine Entra will kick off on Wednesday with the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, which is organised by the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe.
The Mine Entra Conference will take place on Thursday, with discussions on sustainable mining practices, technological innovations and investment opportunities across Africa.
It will conclude with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference on Friday. Additionally, on the same day, the Mine Entra Charity Golf Challenge and the Mine Entra Charity Golf Cocktail will take place at the Bulawayo Golf Club.
Online Reporter