Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to meet all financial and logistical obligations for 2026 and beyond as Zimbabwe prepares to host the permanent headquarters of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair Company in Harare.
Zimbabwe recently won the bid to host the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company, an African union entity responsible for driving implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The company is mandated to host the biennial Intra Africa Trade Fair and related events that provide a platform for manufacturers, suppliers and entrepreneurs to showcase their goods and services to continental and global markets.
Presenting the 2026 National Budget, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said hosting the IATF would boost tourism, trade, investment and infrastructure development while enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing within Africa’s economic transformation.
“As the company assumes this important continental responsibility, the Government will meet the requisite obligations for the 2026 financial year and subsequent years, which include the provision of financial support towards office space, among others,” he said. He added that the Government would also ensure the availability of exhibition space and conference facilities.
Regarding the legal status of the company, the minister said legislation would be enacted through the Finance Bill to formally establish the IATFCO Headquarters in Zimbabwe.
The AfCFTA is a landmark agreement among African union member states aimed at creating the world’s largest free trade zone. It seeks to expand intra-African trade, stimulate economic growth and promote job creation by eliminating tariffs, reducing non-tariff barriers and harmonising regulations across the continent.
The agreement covers a single market of 1,3 billion people and aims to facilitate the free movement of goods, services and investment.
Current efforts to strengthen trade under the AfCFTA include training workshops for Southern African Development Community members, the launch of Nigeria’s air cargo export corridor, and the Creatives Connect Afrika event, which explored the contribution of the creative sector to African economies. The AfCFTA Secretariat also held a workshop on the Digital Trade Protocol.
In East Africa, Uganda’s progress on regional trade was also highlighted, with the AfCFTA secretary general, Mr Wamkele Mene, noting the country’s first AfCFTA-related shipments to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the African Development Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a connected, industrialised and inclusive Africa. Speaking at the third Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, the Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office Director, Dr Joy Kategekwa, said investment in infrastructure and regional integration remained key to unlocking Africa’s industrial potential under the AfCFTA.
Bongani Ndlovu