Online Reporter
Makanaka Kamuti
Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, says it wants to make a significant impact at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), scheduled to take place in Bulawayo from April 21 to 26, 2025, as the organisation takes a “leading role” in advancing conversations around industrialisation, trade integration and inclusive economic growth.
This year, ZimTrade will be exhibiting under the theme “Igniting Local Industries for Global Integration,” which aligns perfectly with the official ZITF theme, “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape”.
In a press statement, ZimTrade said this theme highlights the importance of local industries in driving economic growth and integration into the global market.
Over the course of the trade fair, ZimTrade’s exhibition stand will feature a wide range of Zimbabwean products and services from export-ready companies supported through its technical assistance, training programmes and market development interventions.
According to ZimTrade, the exhibit will offer a practical demonstration of the export potential that lies within Zimbabwe’s agro-processing, horticulture, textile, leather and manufacturing sectors that have shown consistent growth in regional and international markets when strategically supported.
At the ZITF 2025, ZimTrade said it will showcase Zimbabwe’s export potential, highlighting the country’s products and services that can compete in the global market. The organisation said it aims to promote Zimbabwe’s trade development agenda, facilitating networking and partnerships between local and international businesses, and attract foreign investment to boost the country’s economy.
“Our presence at ZITF 2025 is about showcasing more than products; it’s about demonstrating impact,” said ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru.
“Through innovation, collaboration and strategic investment in export development, we are seeing tangible progress in how Zimbabwean businesses position themselves globally. This trade fair is an opportunity to bring together all players in the value chain and collectively chart a path toward a more competitive and inclusive economy.”
ZimTrade said its role in championing inclusive trade development will also be in the spotlight. With dedicated platforms such as the Next She Exporter initiative and the Eagle’s Nest Youth Export Incubator, the organisation said it is working to unlock opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs to meaningfully participate in export markets.
These programmes, designed to bridge the gap between local innovation and global trade, have empowered hundreds of emerging exporters to develop export-ready brands and build sustainable businesses.
“Industrialisation must be inclusive if it is to be sustainable,” noted Mr Similo Nkala, Director of Operations at ZimTrade. “By actively supporting women, youth and rural communities through tailored interventions, we are ensuring that the benefits of trade and industrial growth reach all corners of the country. ZITF gives us the chance to celebrate those stories and create new linkages for the future.”
“This year’s ZITF is particularly significant as it speaks directly to the work we do — crafting an export-led economy that thrives on innovation, inclusivity and integration,” said Jacqueline Nyathi, ZimTrade manager southern regional office. “We are inviting all stakeholders to visit our stand, engage with our team and explore how ZimTrade can support their journey to international markets.”
The ZITF 2025 reportedly provides an excellent opportunity for ZimTrade to showcase innovation and opportunities for growth across global markets. According to ZimTrade, visitors can expect to see cutting-edge products and services that Zimbabwean companies have to offer. Its stand will be located in Hall 4, Stand Number 4F14.
By participating in the ZITF 2025, ZimTrade aims to achieve several benefits, including increased visibility for Zimbabwean products and services, attracting foreign investment, networking opportunities, and promoting the country’s trade development agenda. ZimTrade provides support to local businesses, helping them to access foreign markets, showcasing innovations and increasing their exports.
