Osaka 2025 Expo: Business community excited, commends Government support

GOVERNMENT has been commended for its steadfast support in the country’s preparations to participate at Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan with the private sector showing keen interest in seizing new market opportunities and investment avenues and promoting the brand Zimbabwe on an international level.

This came out last week in Bulawayo during a two-day national multi-stakeholder conference on the preparations for the Expo 2025 Osaka convened to gather stakeholders’ inputs.

The six-month-long Expo set to attract 28,3 million visitors with over 150 countries having confirmed participation will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

Zimbabwe is participating in Expo 2025 Osaka under the Connecting Lives Zone and will exhibit under the national theme “Beyond the Limit.”

Expo 2025 Osaka presents an unparalleled opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential, and investment opportunities on an international stage.

The Expo further presents a vital platform for the country to showcase innovations, attract global investments, and establish international partnerships, fostering economic growth and enhancing global market presence.

Expo Osaka 2025 Zimbabwe commissioner-general, who is also ZimTrade chief executive office, Mr Allan Majuru told Business Chronicle at the end of the consultative meetings that there is excitement among prospective participants.

On the other hand, he commended the Government through the Treasury for availing financial support and guidance.

“We have received tremendous support from the Government through the Treasury and from our parent ministry. We have also engaged various people to assist us in mobilising funds.

“The key issue is that we are not just looking for money, we can get assistance in the form of resources, and commercial goods to exhibit and sell. Therefore the stakeholder consultative meeting was meant to make sure that we put in place strategies and plans, not only to mobilise funds, but to put Zimbabwe ahead when we go to Osaka Expo,” he said.

Mr Majuru said stakeholders from all walks of life including academia, private and public sectors, SMEs, and youths attended the conference.

“The input that we got was mainly to make sure that we put the best foot forward as a country to showcase. We agreed and there was consent to say it’s not about the private sector, it’s not about the public sector, it’s about Zimbabwe,” he said.

During the consultative process, it was revealed that about US$2,982 million was needed for the pavilion exhibition space with pavilion construction expected to cost US$1,2 million.

Contributing during a plenary session various industry players laid out several expectations for the Japan exhibition.
The expectations ranged from market expansion, brand exposure, a look into modern technological processes which have a bearing on cost of production reduction, and allowing local firms to be globally competitive.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Matabeleland Chapter representative, Mr Joseph Gunda said the expo presents a networking opportunity and facilitates discussions that would lead to joint ventures, distribution agreements and strategic alliances.

“The private sector entities are participating in the expo to increase visibility from the global stage, showcase products and services and innovation to a diverse audience of an estimated 28 million. It’s an opportunity for companies to highlight their capabilities,” he said.

He noted that Zimbabwe is embarking on an industrial transformation journey that requires the application of technological advancement to transform the traditional industries, increase productivity and drive economic progress.

“This all contributes to business growth and expansion and provides a platform for companies to attract investment, seek funding for expansion projects and identify promising markets for future growth,” said Mr Gunda.

Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Paul Matamisa said the sector expects to open up new markets and revive friendships with other countries.

Exhibitions and events committee member, Ms Tryfine Rachel Dzukutu also made a presentation on the composition of the exhibition committee.

She said stakeholders from both private and public sectors should assist with ideas and suggestions on how best as Zimbabwe can come up with an excellent exhibition in Japan.

Ms Dzukutu said they are working on developing exhibition content. “We are identifying priority areas for content creation and a list of exhibition and commercial items, including side events and cultural groups that we will invite to participate at the Expo,” she said.

“We are also looking at priority projects for marketing at the expo as part of promoting tourism, trade and investment in the country. All staff will undergo mandatory training on exhibition and events management.”
Ms Dzukutu said they will organise training for exhibitors on Japanese culture and language.