Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
ZIMBABWE will reap immense benefits from hosting the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO) in Harare, which is expected to unlock opportunities across key domestic value chains, experts say.
This follows the gazetting of the Host Country Agreement between Zimbabwe and the African Export-Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat on Wednesday.
The development marks a major milestone in positioning the country at the heart of Africa’s expanding trade ecosystem.
IATFCO was officially unveiled at IATF2025 in Algiers.
The move transitions the fair into a permanent African institution designed to be sustainable, scalable and closely aligned with the ambitions of AfCFTA.
Following a rigorous bidding process, Zimbabwe was selected as the winner ahead of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
The Southern African country’s modern conferencing facilities, strong air connectivity, accommodation capacity and land pledged for expansion secured its selection.
Now, trade experts say the country is primed to benefit from increased trade flows, investment inflows and sustained business activity driven by regular exhibitions, conferences and high-level engagements.
The establishment of the headquarters is expected to stimulate economic activity through increased business tourism, trade exhibitions and high-level conferences, further strengthening Zimbabwe’s role as a regional trade hub.
According to the Government Gazette, the agreement sets out comprehensive provisions to be undertaken by the Government to support the successful hosting of IATFCO and related entities.
Among the key commitments, the Government shall “waive import and customs duties for goods and products temporarily imported for exhibition at, or operations of, the IAATF, with a minimum threshold of US$30 000 per IATF participant or exhibitor”.
The authorities will also “ensure an efficient process for the re-exportation or return of unsold or unused goods, tools, or service items for exhibitors as well as goods or service items used in the operations of the IATF; provide marketing and promotion support for the IATF . . . ; mobilising local businesses and industry leaders to participate in the IATF and advertising the IATF on national media outlets, Government websites and tourism platforms”.
In addition, the Government shall ensure visa waivers — or, where not feasible, visa-on-arrival — for all IATF participants and exhibitors, alongside dedicated infrastructure at ports of entry and exit to facilitate smooth and efficient movement.
This will boost activity in aviation, road transport and logistics services.
The agreement obligates Zimbabwe to facilitate the ease of movement for participants by providing private shuttle services to and from IATF venues, while expanding existing public transport routes to connect major hotels and key areas of Harare with exhibition sites, creating downstream demand across the transport value chain.
The Government will also be responsible for providing office and exhibition facilities for IATFCO entities, with infrastructure expected to meet international standards comparable to leading global trade fair venues.
The facilities should have at least 50 000-60 000 square metres of gross exhibition space and permanent exhibition and conference facilities that meet international standards to ensure ample room for exhibitors and attendees.
Additionally, they should include a conference hall capable of comfortably accommodating a minimum of 5 000 attendees for plenary sessions.
They are expected to be located within a 15-kilometre radius of a major airport with direct African connections, as well as near key hotels and recreational facilities in Harare, reinforcing linkages between aviation, hospitality and urban services.
Further specifications include “four breakout rooms, each with a capacity for 500 delegates, to facilitate focused sessions and discussions.
“Additionally, multipurpose rooms and offices are required for smooth event operations, encompassing executive and working offices, small meeting rooms, VIP lounges, waiting areas, and dedicated press, media and interview rooms,” reads the gazette.
The establishment of the IATFCO headquarters has been widely hailed as a major opportunity to unlock new trade, investment and export growth prospects for Zimbabwe, while strengthening linkages across agriculture, manufacturing and services.
Regional trade expert Mr Alois Chibvuri said the hosting of IAFTCO in Harare enhances Zimbabwe’s strategic standing in continental trade systems.
“Harare is positioned as a central hub for trade, investment and economic diplomacy, bolstering Zimbabwe’s engagement in AfCFTA policy, trade negotiations and regional integration,” he said.
“Zimbabwe’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector is set for steady growth. This growth is expected to be fuelled by the city’s strategic location and the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and services.
“Initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, such as upgrades to the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the expansion of road networks, will facilitate easier access for international delegates and investors.”
He went on: “Additionally, Harare’s vibrant culture and rich history offer a unique backdrop for events, attracting both local and foreign participants. The development of modern conference facilities and hotels further positions the city as a competitive destination for global meetings and exhibitions.
“As the MICE sector flourishes, it will not only contribute to the local economy but also create job opportunities and foster partnerships across various sectors, including hospitality and technology.
“In this context, Zimbabwe’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area will amplify its capacity to leverage these events for broader economic development, promoting sustainable practices while enhancing regional cooperation.
“Ultimately, Harare’s emergence as a key player in the MICE industry reflects its potential to harness trade and investment opportunities, enabling it to make significant strides towards becoming a leading economic centre in the region.”
Mr Chibvuri urged local businesses to proactively position themselves to benefit from the opportunities arising from hosting the IATFCO headquarters.
“Local enterprises should actively align their products and services to cater to the increased demand in MICE tourism, trade exhibitions and continental trade flows, ensuring they capture a share of the economic benefits,” he said.
Economic analyst Mr Gilbert Tapera said Zimbabwean businesses will benefit from enhanced integration with continental trade networks, leading to improved access to African markets, buyers and investment partners.
He said this integration will aid in diversifying exports and expanding operations.
As a key platform under the AfCFTA, the IATF offers Zimbabwe the opportunity to tap into a single African market of approximately 1,4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3,5 trillion. Increased visibility and structured business connections could attract more foreign direct investment.
“IATFCO headquarters in Harare could stimulate stronger value chain development, boosting growth in agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and services, and enabling local industries to better meet the growing demand for intra-African trade,” said Mr Tapera.
“This strategic positioning will enhance Zimbabwe’s role in Africa’s trade landscape, benefitting critical sectors of the economy.
“Furthermore, the expanded reach of Zimbabwean businesses through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will foster innovation and competitiveness. By collaborating with regional partners and leveraging shared resources, businesses can enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
“This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual enterprises but also contributes to the overall resilience of the economy.”
He noted that the establishment of the IATFCO headquarters in Harare will serve as a catalyst for knowledge transfer and capacity building.
“It presents a unique platform where local entrepreneurs can access training, mentorship and networking opportunities with seasoned industry experts from across the continent. Such initiatives are critical in empowering Zimbabwean businesses to navigate the complexities of regional trade dynamics effectively.
“Moreover, the potential for increased trade facilitation measures will streamline cross-border transactions, making it easier for Zimbabwean goods to enter different markets. This efficiency encourages local producers to scale up their operations, ultimately driving job creation and enhancing livelihoods.
“Organised by Afreximbank, the African union Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat, IATF is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services, and to explore business and investment opportunities on the continent.
It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment.
