Online Reporter
Kudzanai Sharara in Algiers, Algeria
Zimbabwe received significant recognition on the continental stage, with its national stand at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 being awarded the prestigious “Best Feature” award for its creative design and compelling interactive elements.
The stand was organised and facilitated by the country’s trade development and promotion organization, ZimTrade, under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
ZimTrade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, also facilitated the participation of business delegations at the trade fair.
Companies that participated represented a wide spectrum of industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, leather, agriculture, services, and artisans.
This demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to compete across multiple sectors and its ambition to expand its presence in regional and international markets.
Apart from facilitating the participation of local firms, ZimTrade also had the responsibility of setting up the Zimbabwe Pavilion stand.
The award-winning stand featured a collective of 23 local companies from a diverse range of sectors, providing a comprehensive showcase of Zimbabwean industry.
A notable feature of the stand was the inclusion of Virtual Reality (VR) sets and an immersive screen that provided visitors with a tour of Zimbabwe’s key tourist destinations.
This use of technology effectively highlighted both the nation’s economic potential and its natural beauty.
ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru expressed his satisfaction with the recognition. “This award is a significant achievement for Zimbabwe’s private sector and our collaborative efforts with the Government,” he stated.
“It underscores our commitment to innovation and demonstrates our capacity to present our export products and services dynamically and engagingly. The stand serves as a testament to the creativity and potential of Zimbabwean businesses, and we are proud to have our efforts recognised at this major continental event.”
The IATF hosts various awards to celebrate the creativity and innovative spirit of exhibitors.
The “Best Feature” award specifically acknowledges a standout element that significantly enhances the visitor experience and contributes to the overall success of the exhibition. It presents a consistent narrative of quality, reliability, and innovation, positioning the country as a cohesive and competitive trade partner ready to contribute meaningfully to continental and global audiences.
The IATF, a massive showcase bankrolled by Afreximbank, attracted over 35 000 visitors and more than 2 000 exhibitors. The event is a significant platform for African businesses to connect and negotiate deals, with this year’s edition expected to generate over US$44 billion in transactions.
According to ZimTrade, participation at IATF 2025 is a strategic move for Zimbabwe. “It provides an opportunity to strengthen its export base, attract investment, and promote tourism under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” ZimTrade says.
The fair allows Zimbabwean companies to interact directly with buyers and investors, secure orders, establish partnerships, and learn about emerging market trends.
Beyond tangible deals, the event offers a platform for knowledge-sharing and policy dialogue. It also serves as a vehicle for promoting Zimbabwe as a tourism destination, with the arts and crafts component creating an immediate cultural connection for international visitors.
