Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu in OSAKA, Japan
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has commended African countries, particularly those from Southern Africa, for their growing presence and increasingly sophisticated exhibitions at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Speaking after touring the Japanese and Zimbabwean pavilions on the sidelines of Zimbabwe’s National Day celebrations at the expo yesterday, the President said the progress made by African nations in presenting themselves on global platforms was both encouraging and commendable.
“Well this is not my first time attending an expo and I am extremely impressed by both the content and variety of exhibitions and exhibitors. It shows that Africa year-by-year continues to blossom.”
The President, who is also Sadc Chairman, also visited the Lesotho, Tanzania and Zambia pavilions, which are part of the four Southern African countries exhibiting in Commons Hall-B.
Zimbabwe’s Pavilion has emerged as one of the most popular at the Expo, drawing at least 3 000 visitors daily.
Since the country began participating in February, the pavilion has recorded over 600 000 visitors.
A major highlight at the Zimbabwe Pavilion is the Virtual Reality showcase, which offers an immersive experience of the country’s top tourist destinations, including Victoria Falls, Nyanga and Hwange National Park.
The VR exhibit also highlights key economic sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and mining – giving visitors a glimpse into Zimbabwe’s diverse investment opportunities.
President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of participating in such global platforms, saying they foster cultural exchange and open up opportunities for economic and community development.
“You learn many things from other people,” he said.
“These are various cultures coming together. So each culture, each country benefits from what happens elsewhere.
“So it is very good that we have this event here.
“I think our people benefit from what other countries are exhibiting.”
He also underscored the need for participating countries to reflect on the practical benefits of their presence at international expos.
“It is critically important that, besides exhibition and talking, we need to sit down and say, precisely, what do I take home? What do I take home?” he added.
“What is it that we benefit from these exhibitions so that we continue to improve whatever we have? So it’s very important that our people come to the international exhibitions. We will benefit.”
The World Expo 2025 Osaka, which runs until October 13, has attracted 158 participating countries and seven international organisations.
It serves as a global forum for innovation, culture and cooperation, providing a stage for nations to share ideas and connect with potential investors, tourists and collaborators.
Our country is really beautiful. I highly commend our President for allowing our beloved nation to participate at this high-profile exhibition. We are in a global village now. I am confident that one day, the Expo will be held at our mighty Victoria Falls.