Zimbabwe should leverage its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka for economic growth

ZIMBABWE is set to leverage its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan as a strategic platform for fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and showcasing its readiness to integrate transformative technologies into its economic framework.

The event, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” provides an ideal stage for Zimbabwe to present its vision for the future, highlighting innovations across various sectors including agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

The six-month-long Expo, set to attract 28,3 million visitors with over 150 countries confirming participation, will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Zimbabwe will exhibit under the national theme “Beyond the Limit.”
In March, the country unveiled its logo designed by 30-year-old graphic designer Simanga Sibanda who beat 180 contestants.

Officials said the logo inspires hope and symbolises a bright future in line with the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to open doors for Zimbabwean businesses, attract foreign investment, and create opportunities for partnerships that could drive technological advancements and sustainable development.

Furthermore, Expo 2025 will serve as a cultural bridge, allowing Zimbabwe to share its rich heritage and traditions with the world, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

In the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind, the Government will work closely with all partners at home and abroad to ensure Zimbabwe’s participation at the expo will be a success, building on the ground-breaking trajectory set by Expo 2020 Dubai.

At Expo 2020 Dubai, Zimbabwe achieved several milestones including the signing of a US$250 million Joint Venture agreement between ARDA and the NV Group of India to establish a brewery in Masvingo, a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the private office of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi.

In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Sheila Chikomo, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava said Zimbabwe’s preparation at this prestigious global event should yield tangible results for the nation, contributing to the improvement in the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

“Expo 2025 Osaka presents a unique opportunity for nations to collaborate on solutions to the old, new, and even emerging challenges facing humanity. It is a platform to showcase innovation, foster dialogue, and shape a brighter future for mankind,” said Amb Shava.

“This will not happen on its own, or by chance, it requires planning. Zimbabwe should not be and has to ensure that it is not left behind. Expo 2025 Osaka is more than just an exhibition. It is a catalyst for progress.”

Amb Shava said the success of the country’s participation at the expo will depend on valuable contributions as the conference is convened to gather insights, share crucial information, and identify business opportunities that the country can market in Japan.

He urged participants to come up with ideas and solutions that will help showcase the true spirit of Zimbabwe.
“Let us leverage this Expo as a springboard for economic growth, cultural exchange, and a brighter future for all Zimbabweans,” said Amb Shava.

Commenting on the theme, Amb Shava said it is inspired by President Mnangagwa’s agenda “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo.”

“The theme encapsulates the visionary progress and ground-breaking milestones accomplished by the Second Republic and National Vision 2030 of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Society,” he said.

Amb Shava said it also reflects the nation’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and transformative change amidst challenges posed by illegal sanctions imposed on the country by some Western countries, the El-Nino-induced drought with its devastating impact on the 2023-2024 agricultural season, and other emerging global threats such as pandemics.

Amb Shava said despite these adverse developments, the Second Republic is poised to continue its journey towards greater accomplishments, exploring new horizons and going beyond boundaries, in pursuit of excellence.
Zimbabwe will exhibit under three pillars: “Experience Zimbabwe,” “Opportunities,” and “Our Future.”

“The pillars will showcase, among others, Zimbabwe’s rich culture and heritage, history and liberation struggle, tourist attractions as well as business opportunities in the tourism sector, trade and investment, reflecting the aspirations and boundless potential that lies ahead in line with our Vision 2030,” said Amb Shava.

Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the participation will showcase the country’s readiness to embrace transformative technologies and integrate them into the economic fabric, resilience, innovation, and the achievements realised under the Second Republic.

He noted that it is also a platform to forge strategic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and access new markets.

“Under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, we are poised to unlock vast potential from various sectors of our economy. My ministry was mandated to drive the industrialisation agenda under the National Development Strategy 1’s ‘Moving up the Value Chains and Structural Transformation’ thematic area,” said Minister Ndlovu.

“We have identified priority sectors in the manufacturing sector such as iron and steel, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, beef to leather, cotton to clothing, truck and bus and plastic waste recycling,”

Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yamanaka Shinichi said the Expo will create a great platform for Zimbabwe to showcase its economic, business and tourism potential to the world as well as share ideas, showcase solutions and forge new partnerships.

“With its theme, ‘Designing Future Society for our Lives,’ it will also be an opportunity for Zimbabwe to contribute to the collective dialogue on addressing the pressing challenges of our time and shaping a better future for all,” he said.