Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), held annually in Bulawayo, has long been a significant event in the southern African region, consistently drawing attention from businesses and investors across the region and beyond.
This year, the annual business showcase, one of the country’s largest trade events, is running from April 21 to April 26, 2025, under the theme, “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape.”
Dubbed the Blue Sapphire Edition, this year’s theme underscores the role of industrialisation in fostering economic transformation, investment and regional integration.
The fair will be officially opened by the President of Mozambique, Mr Daniel Chapo, further highlighting the regional diplomatic and economic importance of the event.
Over the years, the trade fair has evolved from a national exhibition to a global event that attracts delegates from across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
In alignment with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, this year’s ZITF focuses on integrating industries within value chains, improving competitiveness and leveraging advanced technology to boost productivity.
The exhibition places a spotlight on sectors such as automotive manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining equipment production and renewable energy, all of which are key drivers of industrial growth.
As Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, it is crucial to recognise the key role that ZITF, one of the biggest and most prominent trade showcases in the Southern Africa region, plays in achieving this vision.
These highlighted sectors are pivotal for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 as they represent key pathways to industrialisation and economic diversification.
A thriving automotive manufacturing sector fosters local value addition and job creation, reducing import reliance.
Food processing enhances agricultural output, boosts export potential and improves food security.
A robust pharmaceutical industry strengthens healthcare and reduces foreign currency expenditure on medication.
Local production of mining equipment supports the crucial mining sector while developing domestic manufacturing capacity.
Finally, the focus on renewable energy promotes sustainable development, attracts green investment and ensures long-term energy security, all contributing to a more resilient and higher-income economy as envisioned by Vision 2030.
Demonstrating its significance as a platform for realising Vision 2030, this year’s edition exceeded its exhibition space capacity.
This record-breaking surge in interest from both new and returning exhibitors, local and international alike, with an impressive 596 confirmations including 112 first-time participants, solidifies Zimbabwe’s status as a leading trade and investment destination and reflects renewed confidence in the ZITF brand and optimism about the nation’s trade prospects.
The overwhelming demand, which has necessitated the creation of additional exhibition space beyond the traditionally available areas, underscores the immense potential of this trade showcase.
This strong appetite for participation signals that ZITF presents a prime opportunity that must be fully maximised to foster the collaborations, investments, and industrial advancements crucial for Zimbabwe to achieve its upper-middle-income economy goal by 2030.
ZITF Company board chairperson, Mr Busisa Moyo, described the 2025 edition as one of the most promising in the event’s 65-year history.
He noted the unprecedented international interest, with 28 countries confirmed to participate — an increase from last year’s 27 — and a total of 45 direct international exhibitors expected.
Confirmed participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU Delegation, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Zambia.
Commenting on how ZITF highlights its crucial role in Zimbabwe’s progress towards achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, Mr Moyo said they were at the forefront and apex of economic diplomacy and re-engagement.
“We are curating various platforms to spotlight different sectors within our economy, facilitating re-engagement with foreign suppliers in these areas, and showcasing products with the potential to satisfy diverse regional and global markets.
“As such, we stand at the forefront and apex of economic diplomacy and re-engagement.
“Regarding initiatives implemented at ZITF to more directly contribute to achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, it’s important to note that ZITF’s role is to facilitate, catalyse and spur on economic actors to increase output, add value and develop mechanisms for scale by providing essential platforms for interaction.
“This year, our choice of ‘Industrialisation’ as the theme, foregrounds the manufacturing and value addition sectors and their interconnected ecosystems with agriculture, mining and other service sectors, demonstrating our active efforts to attract and engage sectors identified as key drivers for Vision 2030, such as manufacturing, technology and value-added processing.
“In subsequent years, we will strategically focus on other sectors, clusters and ecosystems as we identify needs and as opportunities evolve on our path towards a middle-income economy,” said Mr Moyo.
Looking ahead at the ZITF Company’s plans to further enhance the fair’s role as a strategic platform for realising Vision 2030 in the coming years, Mr Moyo stated that they are upgrading and modernising the ZITF Grounds into a smart exhibition precinct.
This initiative will begin with a shopping mall and exhibition halls designed to attract and host high-caliber and high-impact trade and investment exhibitions, conferences and other Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) programmes in the country and the region.
Mr Moyo’s sentiments underscore ZITF’s crucial role as a multifaceted catalyst for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
He positions ZITF as a primary platform for economic diplomacy and re-engagement, actively spotlighting key economic sectors and facilitating vital connections with international partners and suppliers.
Economic commentator and businessman, Mr Morris Mpala, concurred with Mr Moyo, stating that ZITF serves as a catalyst for economic rejuvenation and industrial advancement, propelling Zimbabwe towards its Vision 2030 objectives.
“The fair showcases trade opportunities, attracts investments and fosters innovation, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives,” he stated.
“Furthermore, ZITF facilitates international partnerships, paving the way for global market integration and economic growth. The fair also encourages knowledge transfer, co-operative developments in technology, and home-grown creativity, positioning Zimbabwean industries at the forefront of regional competitiveness.”
On key Vision 2030 industries that ZITF should focus on, Mr Mpala highlighted agricultural transformation, emphasising the promotion of sustainable farming practices and value addition to raw materials.
He also pointed to industrialisation and value addition, aiming to transform Zimbabwe into a manufacturing hub.
Furthermore, Mr Mpala stressed the importance of technology and innovation, fostering a knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurship and innovation as well as infrastructure development, which involves modernising transportation networks, energy and information technology, to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activities.
“ZITF could also support Vision 2030 by providing more platforms for entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with investors, customers and partners, thereby stimulating job creation and economic growth. This could be achieved through targeted initiatives, such as start-up showcases, mentorship programmes and networking events,” said Mr Mpala.
It is clear from Mr Mpala’s observation that ZITF strategically drives economic activity by providing a space for interaction that spurs increased output, value addition and business scaling.
The deliberate focus on industrialisation in this year’s theme, emphasising manufacturing and its linkages, directly aligns ZITF with the core objectives of Vision 2030.
As a premier multi-sectoral exhibition, ZITF attracts a diverse array of local and international businesses, government officials, diplomats and investors.
This congregation provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, forging partnerships and exploring potential collaborations that can drive economic growth and diversification.
By showcasing Zimbabwe’s industries and investment prospects to a global audience, ZITF actively contributes to attracting foreign direct investment, a key component in achieving the nation’s development goals.
