Online Reporter
Zimpapers Business Hub
AS Zimbabwe steps up its engagement and re-engagement efforts to stimulate economic recovery, the recently held Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company (ZITF) continues to position itself as a catalyst for opportunities, investment and economic dialogue.
It has actually grown beyond its roots as a conventional exhibition and has evolved into a dynamic business ecosystem, bringing together local entrepreneurs, global investors and policymakers.
For business leaders and economic strategists, the fair — which attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East — is a strategic springboard for attracting investment and expanding markets, as well as enterprise growth.
Foreign flavour
This year’s 65th edition welcomed representatives from 30 countries, who used the platform to explore opportunities, assess the market and forge commercial partnerships.
At a media briefing to mark the end of the fair, ZITF Company chairperson Mr Busisa Moyo stressed the importance of increased private sector leadership and international participation in future editions.
“We are very happy with the direction that ZITF is taking,” he said.
“We want the trade fair to be private sector-driven, to have a large leaning to the private sector but also for it to have an international flavour so that local companies can connect with foreign companies.”
While the target of 800 exhibitors was narrowly missed, as there were 795, Mr Moyo noted the strong foreign presence.
“Of the total, 135 were foreign companies, about 17 percent. The private sector constituted 59 percent of exhibitors and among those, foreign businesses made up nearly 28 percent,” he said.
The number of first-time exhibitors also rose markedly from 71 last year to 89 this year.
Duty-free access
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Jobst von Kirchmann reiterated to delegations at the fair that, at a time when protectionist policies and trade barriers are growing, Zimbabwe could still enjoy duty-free access to the EU.
“Amid global discussions on trade barriers, we are proud to say that any Zimbabwean company can export any product to the EU without tariffs or duties,” he said.
Ambassador Von Kirchmann also highlighted the EU’s growing investment footprint.
“The EU and its member states are investing over 500 million euros into sustainable agriculture and women empowerment,” he said, citing initiatives such as the distribution of drought-resistant seeds and targeted community support.
“Zimbabwe is exporting more to the EU than importing, and we are fine with that.”
Further, the enduring partnership between Harare and Beijing was also underlined by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding.
“For many years, China has been Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment and one of its most significant trading partners. In the past year, this partnership continued to flourish: Chinese investments grew steadily, with new industrial and infrastructure projects either underway or just commissioned,” said Mr Zhou.
“Our bilateral trade volume reached a historic peak of US$3,8 billion in 2024, a 23,9 percent year-on-year increase.”
France’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Paul-Bertrand Barets commended the marked improvement in trade relations between the two countries in 2024.
He, however, emphasised the need to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, adding there was strong potential for collaboration in infrastructure development, agriculture, renewable energy and mining.
“There are potential opportunities in many sectors, like infrastructure development, agriculture and renewable energy. For instance, we already have Hydrogène de France, which is a very innovative French company that is developing its business in southern Zimbabwe, including in the wind energy sector,” he said.
Perception
Economist Ms Alice Chikonzi highlighted the fair’s significance in reshaping global perceptions on Zimbabwe’s business landscape.
“By enabling face-to-face engagement, live demonstrations and credible public-private dialogue, the fair builds investor trust and affirms Zimbabwe’s intent to reclaim its position as a competitive and open economy,” she said.
“For investors, the ZITF offers a rare in-person interface with decision-makers in both the public and private sectors. Its ability to convene key actors’ meetings, broker investment dialogue and enable commercial partnerships makes it indispensable to Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory.”
She also called for continued institutional support.
“Doing so will ensure the fair continues to serve as a launchpad for investment, innovation and inclusive prosperity.”
Economic analyst Mr Nimrod Zulu described the growing international footprint of ZITF as a vital catalyst for economic revival.
“By attracting foreign exhibitors, investors and buyers, ZITF amplifies Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global economic stage, facilitating critical knowledge transfer, technology exchange and potential capital inflows,” he said.
“The international flavour enhances trade linkages and showcases Zimbabwe’s export potential, especially in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.”
Mr Zulu commended the ZITF Company for transparency after it disclosed that preliminary deals worth US$10 million were struck during the fair.
“For policymakers and private sector stakeholders alike, this level of openness provides actionable insight and lays the groundwork for more data-driven decisions and trade strategies going forward,” he said.
ZITF is also proving vital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of which operate in high-potential sectors with export capabilities.
“In recent years, several SMEs have entered into export partnerships and off-take agreements directly attributable to ZITF interactions. This positions the fair not only as a networking venue, but as a real driver of SME-led industrialisation,” said Mr Dumolwenkosi Nyoni, a trader and exhibitor.
Online Reporter