Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, has said preliminary analysis indicates that over US$600 million worth of business transactions, confirmed orders and leads were generated during the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026.
The development highlights the continued evolution of the premier trade showcase.
A previous report, ZITF 2025 Key Business Statistics Report, indicated the 65th edition of the ZITF 2025 generated business leads valued between US$296 million and US$379 million, while a record US$18 million in formal agreements were signed during the event.
The ZITF Company, in the report, said they were looking forward to recording above US$1 billion in deals signed in future years, while exhibitors and delegates could look forward to a higher return on investment when attending ZITF.
“Our statistical data collection systems will continue to be upgraded to levels where they are sufficiently robust to capture and communicate value created on this platform.”
Speaking during a Post-ZITF 2026 press briefing in Bulawayo yesterday, Minister Ndlovu said though a comprehensive analysis will be produced later as more information is being collated, preliminary analysis indicates over US$600 million worth of business transactions were generated.
“Preliminary analysis indicates over US$600 million worth of business transactions, confirmed orders and leads were generated during the show. In addition to direct transactions, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were facilitated in priority areas such as manufacturing and technology,” he said.
“Curated business-to-business (B2B) sessions generated high-value leads that are expected to translate into firm commitments as follow-through and due diligence processes conclude.”
Minister Ndlovu said ZITF 2026 demonstrated its convening power at the highest level, while key decision-makers actively participated across platforms, including a closed-door business breakfast engagement involving senior Government leadership and captains of industry.
He said concurrent events were strongly subscribed, with meaningful discussions aligned to national priorities — industrialisation, youth entrepreneurship, innovation, commercialisation, trade diplomacy, and investment mobilisation.
“Partnerships with business member organisations and development organisations strengthened the technical depth, attendance quality, and outcomes focus of the programme.
“We were particularly encouraged by increased youth participation—through dedicated platforms such as the Youth in Business Conference and through stronger inclusion of young entrepreneurs within mainstream sessions.”
The Minister said ZITF remains Zimbabwe’s premier “shop window” for investment and industrial growth.
He said this year’s over-subscription and strong private sector presence reinforced the message that Zimbabwe is open for business.
“Sector interest was strongest in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and energy — reflecting the country’s productive base — alongside growing momentum in ICT, innovation-driven enterprises, and the financial services that enable trade and investment,” Minister Ndlovu said.
“The Investors Lounge, delivered in partnership with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), was well received and improved business matchmaking between local firms and international delegations.”
Minister Ndlovu said they expect further details on investment leads and aftercare progress as engagements mature, which should give them a better estimate of the business value of the exhibition.
He said international participation continued to evolve from transactional participation towards more strategic, long-term interest.
“Regional neighbours remained strongly represented, alongside sustained interest from emerging markets. Targeted pre-show engagement such as regional roadshows and strategic outreach, helped strengthen the calibre of visiting delegations and the private sector composition within national pavilions,” Minister Ndlovu added.
“We were intentional in encouraging embassies to attract private sector participation, hence a decline in the participation of embassies and an increase in participation of foreign private sector companies.”
The Minister said ZITF 2026 made practical strides in modernising the fair and improving outcomes for exhibitors and visitors.
He said the XPO263 mobile app went live, supporting meeting scheduling, real-time and QR-based contact capture for lead retrieval.
ZITF Company board chairman, Dr Busisa Moyo, called on exhibitors, buyers and delegates who participated at ZITF 2026 to come forward and assist them with information that ensures they come up with a comprehensive business report done at ZITF this year.
“ZITF is not just an exhibition, but a place where real business is concluded, this is driven by the networking and convening power of the ZITF Company and the volume of traffic that passes through exhibition stands,” he said.
“As the show organiser, we continue to encourage our exhibitors and delegates to see ZITF as a potent platform where business is concluded, products and services are launched for the first time, and major transformational agreements are signed.”
