Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Judith Phiri
THE countdown to the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 ended yesterday as local and international exhibitors converged on Bulawayo, giving their stands final polish ahead of today’s opening.
The country’s premier trade showcase runs until Saturday at the Zimbabwe Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”.
Owing to overwhelming demand for exhibition space, organisers extended allocations beyond the main halls, with stands generally reflecting a high standard of presentation and quality.
Botswana President, Advocate Duma Boko, is expected to officially open the exhibition on Thursday and is anticipated to arrive with a large business delegation to participate in the expo.
The successful hosting of ZITF remains critical for Zimbabwe as it promotes new exports, attracts investment and opens opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at anchoring economic growth and job creation.
Organisers expect this year’s trade fair to provide a dynamic platform for Africa’s industrial heavyweights and emerging disruptors, positioning the exhibition as more than a showcase by linking manufacturing innovations and digital advancements directly to global value chains.
Zimbabwe is positioning itself to ensure that local ingenuity connects with international capital to forge scalable, cross border partnerships that will shape the next decade of African trade.
According to ZITF Company board chairman, Dr Busisa Moyo, about 485 direct exhibitors, including 100 leaseholders, are participating. International participation is strong, with 46 exhibitors from 29 countries including Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, China, Denmark, Eswatini, Ethiopia, the European union (EU), France and India.
Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK) and Zambia are also represented.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Arief Hidayat, who arrived in Bulawayo with his delegation yesterday, expressed his country’s readiness to partner Zimbabwe in unlocking mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
“We will be exhibiting big at the ZITF and we want to align our investments with the Zimbabwean policy on open for business, and taping into trade partnerships. ZITF is a good platform for us to put into practicality all the agreements we have. We are keen on agriculture, tourism, energy, technology projects.”
He said Indonesian companies were eager to expand their footprint in Zimbabwe and partner local firms to grow businesses, including tapping into wider regional value chains across various sectors.
Zanu PF Politburo member and Secretary for Business Development, Cde Elifasi Mashaba, was already on site overseeing the party’s preparations.
“We are here to demonstrate how the party functions, particularly the role of the First Secretary, who is also the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, together with his deputies in both the party and Government, Secretary General Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, and all its 21 departments. We will also showcase a historical exhibition detailing the period of the President’s incarceration. It’s a deeply emotional presentation, and many visitors are likely to find it very moving,” said Cde Mashaba.
A local exhibitor, Advance Fire Engineers managing director Mr Lovemore Ndebele, said his company was ready to capitalise on opportunities presented by the trade fair.
“For us, this is a chance to engage both existing and potential clients. Even before the official start, we have already interacting with prospective customers eager to learn more about our services,” he said.
Dr Moyo said business visitor registrations had reached 10 472 as of Thursday, compared to 8 142 recorded during the same period last year.
Based on these indicators, overall preparedness levels are high, with strong exhibitor uptake across both public and private sectors. Government participation accounts for 42 percent of space uptake, while the private sector contributes 58 percent.
“This is a clear indicator of market confidence and sustained interest in the ZITF platform.”
This week is expected to be the busiest for Bulawayo, particularly at the ZITF venue, as the expo programme features conferences, forums, networking sessions and high level engagements designed to attract both local and international participants.
Today’s programme includes the Rural Industrialisation Conference at Hall 2, followed by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Exhibitors and Marketers Cocktail in the evening.
The Rural Industrialisation Conference is a flagship empowerment platform structured to transition communities from peripheral participants to equity holders in industrial value chains, with about 350 delegates expected to attend.
Momentum continues on Tuesday with the Youth in Business Conference, Buyers’ Speed Networking Session and the traditional ZITF 2026 Welcome Cocktail, to be hosted in partnership with the British Embassy in Zimbabwe.
The day will also feature the Innovators Forum and Hackathon, which runs until Wednesday, providing a platform to promote technological advancement and entrepreneurship among young innovators.
The flagship ZITF International Business Conference, one of the fair’s premier events, is scheduled for Wednesday and will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to deliberate on economic trends and investment opportunities.
The Guest of Honour for the conference will be Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
The ZITF Diplomats Forum is also scheduled for Wednesday evening, to be held in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday at the Main Arena and is expected to attract high level dignitaries including Government officials, business leaders and international guests. Botswana President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko is expected to officially open the event and, as tradition dictates, tour selected pavilions.
Friday’s programme includes the Connect Africa Symposium at Hall 2, with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) as the technical lead partner. The Guest of Honour will be Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and about 250 delegates are expected to attend.
Other activities scheduled for Friday include the Zimbabwe Botswana Business Forum in partnership with ZimTrade at Holiday Inn, the ZITF Charity Golf Challenge at Bulawayo Country Club, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce Dinner in the evening.
