Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
More than 1 000 delegates and 200 exhibitors are expected at the event.
The two-day conference, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and ZimTrade, is running under the theme, “Accelerating Industrialisation Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade.”
It brings together Government officials, captains of industry, development partners, international financiers and regional organisations to discuss strategies for accelerating industrial growth in line with Vision 2030.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the gathering marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
“The conference seeks to accelerate the implementation of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2), by unlocking investment, promoting value addition and beneficiation, strengthening regional value chains, advancing innovation, and expanding Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness,” he said.
A key highlight of the conference will be the launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report, compiled by AEDS from research involving 2 300 stakeholders, including 2 071 firms and 229 representatives from Government, academia and industry associations.
Zimbabwe joins BRICS bank
Zimbabwe has officially joined the BRICS bank as part of the country’s steps to fully join the intergovernmental organisation.
Speaking during a panel discussion here at the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference & Expo, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the move is aimed at securing funding for the country’s Industrialisation agenda.
“We are working with many banks to fund our industry and we recently joined the BRICS bank which is a positive step in acquiring credit lines that can power our industry,” he said.
“A much more detailed and formal announcement will be made later but these are some of the measures that we have put in place to secure funding for our industry.”
Scenes at the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026 in Harare where President Mnangagwa is going to officiate. Pictures: Memory Mangombe
President arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Harare International Conference Centre for the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026.
He was welcomed by Cabinet Ministers, Industry Captains and Senior Government officials.
Upon arrival the President attended a briefing session before touring exhibition stands.
President Mnangagwa leads the singing of National Anthem upon entering the venue. This marks the beginning of the official programme
Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa delivers his welcome remarks
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu delivers his remarks and introduces the Guest of Honour President Mnangagwa
President Mnangagwa delivering his keynote address
President Mnangagwa addresses the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference & Expo 2026
President Mnangagwa officially opens the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026
