Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will officially open Mine Entra 2025, Zimbabwe’s leading mining, engineering, and transport exhibition, on October 9 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Conference Smart City (ZIECS). The annual event, which runs from October 8 to 10, is expected to attract hundreds of exhibitors and delegates from across the globe.
Held under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining”, Mine Entra is organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a Press briefing on Wednesday, ZITF company chairperson Mr Busisa Moyo said preparations for Mine Entra were at an advanced stage.
More than 240 direct exhibitors have confirmed their participation, with strong interest from both local and international players. Among them are 14 direct exhibitors representing four countries: the People’s Republic of China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Exhibitors span a wide range of sectors, including heavy and light equipment suppliers, engineering firms, transport and logistics providers, research institutions, financial service providers, and other support services.
“As is tradition, the highlight of the conferencing programme will be the Mine Entra Conference and the official opening ceremony on 9 October, which will be headlined by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa. He will be accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando, alongside other Cabinet ministers, senior Government officials, industry leaders, and international delegates.
“An industry-driven conferencing programme has also been lined up in close collaboration with the Chamber of Mines and the Zimbabwe Miners Federation.
“We believe the dialogue planned for the two conferences hosted by these organisations will contribute to policy development, aligning with the aspirations and needs of both small- and large-scale miners,” said Mr Moyo.
Mr Moyo said the discussions would cover critical areas shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“We are confident that these conferences will yield transformative outcomes that will enhance the mining industry’s contribution to national development. We are also pleased to announce that this year’s annual Mine Entra Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Golf Club, in the spirit of social responsibility,” he said.
Running concurrently with Mine Entra will be the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex), which is expected to broaden cross-sectoral engagement, attract a wider range of stakeholders, and foster meaningful synergies. AfriConfex will be held under the theme “Smart Moves: Powering Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Evolution”.
Mr Moyo said this year’s programme would focus on integrated, climate-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Confirmed participants include architects, engineers, city planners, financiers, and policymakers, all keen to explore the future of infrastructure development in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.
“The AfriConfex anchor conference will be held on Wednesday, 8 October, and will be officially opened by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Felix Mhona.
“The session will explore key areas such as smart city design, climate-resilient infrastructure, inclusive urban planning, and innovation in construction technologies. It is a strategic response to the pressing need for modern, sustainable, and people-centred infrastructure in Zimbabwe and the region,” said Mr Moyo.
ZITF chief executive officer Dr Nick Ndebele said the decision to combine the two events was primarily due to scheduling constraints, noting that Mine Entra was originally planned for July.
“Nonetheless, we are pleased to combine the two events, as they are closely related in terms of the equipment used in both mining and infrastructure development,” said Dr Ndebele.
