Sidumisile Mabena
Lubelihle Moyo
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo was meant for deals, displays and corporate dominance, but this year, something different stole the spotlight.
Young people arrived in numbers, full of energy, ideas and bold ambitions, and they were not just walking through the exhibition halls. They were making noise, asking questions and demanding a seat at the table.
From buzzing stands to packed breakout sessions, youths said ZITF 2026 was a classroom, a networking hub and a rare chance to be heard in Zimbabwe’s economic conversation.
For many, it was the first time they felt included in spaces usually dominated by big business and Government figures.
Zimbabwe Youth Council chairperson Rutendo Mugwagwa urged young people to stop waiting on the sidelines and take charge of economic transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development.
Speaking during the Youth in Business Forum, she stressed that the future of Zimbabwe’s economy cannot be discussed without youth at the centre.
“We were not just spectators. For once, youth voices were included in discussions about the future of trade, but we need more platforms specifically designed for young people to showcase their ideas and innovations,” said youth participant Menelisi Ncube.
But behind the excitement, there were honest frustrations.
Some youths felt sidelined in exhibition spaces that seemed designed for established companies with deep pockets.
They said breaking into business remains tough, especially when access to loans requires collateral and credit history many young people simply do not have.
“There is still a gap. Many youths struggle to access funding,” one participant noted.
Despite the challenges, the mood at ZITF remained largely positive. For many young attendees, simply being inside the exhibition halls was a victory on its own.
They networked with exhibitors, discovered new technologies and engaged with industry leaders they would normally only see from a distance. For them, it was proof that they belong in Zimbabwe’s economic future.
Some even suggested that future editions of ZITF should include youth focused campaigns tied to community and family values, especially as events like Mother’s Day approach.
In the end, ZITF 2026 was not just about trade deals and polished displays. It became a stage where young people stepped forward, challenged exclusion and made one thing clear.
They are not just the future.
They are ready for the present.
Online Reporter