Zim to showcase unique offerings at Expo Osaka

Political Editor

ZIMBABWE will showcase its unique offerings to millions of visitors from more than 150 countries and attract significant investment in key sectors like tourism, trade and technology at the Expo 2025 Osaka, an official has said.

Set to kick off on April 13, the six-month-long expo in Japan will see Zimbabwe exhibiting under the theme “Beyond Limits”.

In an update on preparations, the Zimbabwe Pavilion Commissioner-General, Mr Allan Majuru, said the overarching objective at the expo is to present Zimbabwe as a compelling destination to the global community.

“The whole idea is to showcase what Zimbabwe can offer the rest of the world. There are going to be more than 150 countries there. We expect there to be more than 20 million visitors. So, already, just looking at that, it’s a platform for us to market the country.”

Mr Majuru, who is also the ZimTrade chief executive officer, said Expo 2025 Osaka will provide valuable lessons for the country to achieve sustainable progress.

“It’s crucial to recognise that such global expos offer invaluable insights. They serve as a crucial platform for us to observe international best practices and innovative approaches in various sectors. Through carefully analysing these global perspectives, we can gain valuable knowledge and identify strategies that can be effectively adapted and implemented within the unique context of Zimbabwe. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, continuous learning and adaptation are essential for sustainable progress,” he said.

The host country, Japan, is renowned for its technological prowess across various sectors.

This, Mr Majuru said, will help Zimbabwe to leverage Japan’s expertise for advanced technological innovations, particularly in areas like construction and infrastructure development.

“We aim to ensure that our own innovations are not only developed but also effectively commercialised. Expo 2025 provides a valuable platform for us to explore and understand the best practices in technology commercialisation, learning from successful Japanese models and adapting them to the Zimbabwean context,” he added.

“Furthermore, we are particularly interested in observing contemporary construction methodologies in Japan. While traditional brick-and-mortar construction still plays a role, we recognise the increasing prominence of technology-driven approaches in modern construction. Through studying these innovative techniques, we can gain valuable insights into enhancing the efficiency, sustainability and quality of our own construction projects.”

Mr Majuru said a comprehensive training programme is being implemented for the Zimbabwe delegation to ensure a successful engagement with the Japanese business community and visitors from other nations.

“This programme encompasses training on Japanese culture, including its unique social etiquette, language proficiency and the nuances of Japanese business practices and other international visitors.”

Construction of the pavilion is reportedly progressing according to schedule.

“I am confident that Zimbabwe will make a strong and impactful impression at Expo 2025 in Osaka,” he said.

Expo 2025 Osaka expects an estimated 28,2 million visitors. This diverse audience is projected to comprise approximately 40 percent business professionals, while the remaining 60 percent will consist of potential tourists seeking to explore the innovative and cultural experiences offered by the expo.