Online Reporter
Features & Supplements Writer
BULAWAYO once again takes centre stage as the industrial heartbeat of Zimbabwe, hosting two high-profile events that mirror the nation’s economic ambitions — the mining, engineering and transport exhibition, Mine Entra, and the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference and Expo, which will be officially opened by President Mnangagwa today.
Both exhibitions, which commenced yesterday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Conference Smart City, bring together global and local players in mining, engineering, transport, and infrastructure.
Since its launch in 1995, Mine Entra has grown into Zimbabwe’s leading platform for promoting innovation, investment, and collaboration across the mining, engineering, and transport sectors.
The event is organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Miners Federation.
Mine Entra runs under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” while AfriConfex explores “Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution.”
President Mnangagwa, who officially opens the expo today, will headline an event that has become a key platform for investment dialogue, technological exchange, and policy direction in one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic sectors.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona opened AfriConfex yesterday, setting the tone for discussions on infrastructure renewal, climate resilience, and smart city innovation.
With more than 240 exhibitors, including participants from China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, the twin expos demonstrate Zimbabwe’s growing attraction to global investors. Exhibitors range from heavy equipment suppliers and logistics firms to research institutions, financial service providers, and technology innovators.
According to ZITF chairperson, Dr Busisa Moyo, this year’s Mine Entra and AfriConfex aim to foster integrated dialogue between the mining and infrastructure sectors.
“The collaboration between the two conferences will yield transformative outcomes that will enhance the mining industry’s contribution to national development,” he said.
Indeed, the convergence could not have been more strategic.
Mining and infrastructure are twin engines of growth: one fuels the other. Mines require efficient transport systems, power, water, and communications, while infrastructure thrives on mineral wealth, providing materials such as steel, cement, and energy resources for national construction.
