Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Osaka, Japan
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has called for the country to consider extending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to at least 30 days, to allow exhibitors more time to showcase their products and maximise value.
The Vice-President is currently attending Expo 2025 Osaka — a six-month global exhibition bringing together innovations and participants from around the world to address pressing human issues.
He emphasised that extending ZITF would enable entrepreneurs and business visitors to derive greater benefits from the event.
“We should learn from this Osaka expo,” VP Mohadi said.
“Instead of a week-long trade fair, we could extend the duration so that those bringing larger machinery or equipment have sufficient time to showcase their offerings. One week is simply too short.”
He also highlighted the importance of ZITF officials observing and bench marking against international expos.
“It would be beneficial if the ZITF chairman were here to see how such events are managed,” he said.
“While we may not immediately extend to six months, increasing the duration to two or three weeks or even a month would significantly improve our ability to promote Zimbabwe and attract investment.”
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Stewart Nyakotyo, concurred, stressing that longer exhibition periods could benefit both local entrepreneurs and international visitors.
“International expos often last six months, allowing companies to maintain a presence and engage with markets continuously,” he said.
“We need to reconsider the short duration of ZITF, especially as we have recently redesigned the fair to attract more international participation.”
Ambassador Nyakotyo also highlighted Zimbabwe’s membership in the Bureau of the International Expositions (BIE), emphasising that the country should learn from this affiliation to improve future events.
“It was important for ZITF to be here and observe how international exhibitions operate. Learning from this experience will help us enhance our own fairs,” he said.
Both the Vice-President and the Ambassador agreed that Zimbabwe’s participation in the 2030 Expo should be a priority to deepen understanding of international exhibition standards and operations.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean women entrepreneurs in arts and crafts have been praised for their pivotal role in the success of the Zimbabwean pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
VP Mohadi highlighted the significant contributions of women, noting that the expo is largely run by female-led SMEs. The artefacts displayed — ranging from small wooden curios, stonework, hats, beaded accessories, jewelry, purses and shoes — were crafted by women entrepreneurs supported by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“It’s inspiring to see how women have contributed to the success of this expo,” he said.
“Japanese visitors are particularly interested in small artefacts that women produce.
Congratulations to our women entrepreneurs.”
A special highlight was the participation of women entrepreneurs who travelled to Osaka to showcase their work. Among them was Mrs Silvia Mupatsi from Bulawayo, whose trip marked a life-changing opportunity.
“This experience has opened my eyes to new markets and opportunities,” Mrs Mupatsi said.
“I brought a variety of products, including wood sculptures, stonework, sun hats and tote bags made from African fabrics. The Ministry of Women Affairs facilitated our participation and I took the opportunity seriously.”
She explained that many women entrepreneurs who couldn’t travel still sent their creations, which
are now selling well at the expo.
“This journey has transformed my perspective,” she said.
“I now see my craft and business in a more professional light — focusing on product quality and presentation.”
Mrs Mupatsi also emphasised the importance of registering small businesses and embracing digital tools.
“Attending the expo made me realise the value of official registration and online presence,” she noted.
“We need to adopt technology, such as websites and email communication, to reach international markets effectively.”
Expressing optimism, she said her products are in demand and she plans to send more to interested buyers back home.
“Back in Entumbane, Bulawayo, I craft alongside my husband, who works with stone and wood. This opportunity has boosted my confidence and professional approach,” she added.
