Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to officially open the inaugural Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo of Zimbabwe (SCEEZ) in Bulawayo on October 9, in what is being seen as another strong signal of the Second Republic’s commitment to empowering young people, promoting innovation and unlocking economic opportunities through sport and the creative sector.
Government yesterday unveiled the first edition of the “Kuzana” Sport and Creative Economy Expo of Zimbabwe, an ambitious initiative expected to position the country as a regional and international hub for sport, arts and cultural enterprise. The Expo is being viewed as a key milestone in Government’s efforts to turn talent into sustainable economic growth, in line with Vision 2030.
The Expo will run from October 7 to 11 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Conference Centre and is expected to attract local and international investors, creatives, athletes, entrepreneurs and cultural stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya outlined the vision behind the event while representing Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe.
“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture hereby announces the launch of the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo of Zimbabwe (SCEEZ), a landmark international platform designed to unlock the economic potential of the nation’s sport and creative industries,” said Jesaya.
She said the inaugural Expo aims to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for sport and creative economy development and exportation b
y 2030, reflecting Government’s determination to diversify the economy and create employment opportunities for thousands of young Zimbabweans.
Held under the theme, “From Talent to GDP: Driving Zimbabwe’s Creative Industries,” the Expo highlights the growing recognition that sport, arts and culture are no longer just recreational activities, but strategic economic sectors capable of contributing significantly to national development.
Jesaya explained that the name “Kuzana,” drawn from the Zimbabwean Nambya language meaning “to dance” or “to play,” symbolises the coming together of sport and the creative sector into one dynamic economic force.
“To play speaks to the competitive spirit of sport, while to dance captures the rhythm and performance of the diverse cultural and creative expressions,” she said.
She added that President Mnangagwa will be the Guest of Honour at the official opening ceremony on Friday, October 9, highlighting the importance Government places on the growth of sport and creative industries.
“This initiative is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the Ministry as the convener and the Nhimbe Trust as technical partner,” said Jesaya.
The five-day programme will combine exhibitions, conferences, sporting competitions, arts showcases and musical concerts, creating a broad platform for networking, innovation and business development.
Jesaya said one of the main objectives of the Expo is to provide a unified marketplace where buyers and sellers within the sport and creative sectors can connect and do business.
She said the event will also promote skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation among participants, while supporting the industrialisation of sport and the arts.
Government, she added, is also seeking to attract increased local and international investment through the Expo, while improving access to finance and markets for entrepreneurs in the sector.
The launch of the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo is widely seen as another significant step under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, as his administration continues to prioritise youth empowerment, innovation and inclusive economic growth. Through initiatives such as SCEEZ, Government is opening new economic opportunities while ensuring that Zimbabwean talent becomes a key driver of national development and long-term prosperity.
