Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has set the ball rolling to ensure successful hosting of the 2026 global expo in Bulawayo, which will run under the theme: “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”.
Next year’s premier exhibition will run from 20 to 25 April at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in the second largest city, setting the stage for strong push toward regional integration and industrial competitiveness.
ZITF Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, has said the 2026 edition theme underscores the show’s strategic role in advancing Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the continental industrialisation agenda.
“By fostering value addition, regional value chains, and infrastructure development, ZITF 2026 seeks to accelerate Africa’s transformation into a globally competitive business hub,” he said.
“We are excited to advise that the ZITF 2026 theme is ‘Connected Economies, Competitive Industries’ which is a theme that speaks to the importance of integration, regional trade, cross-border collaboration and supply chain connectivity.”
The theme reflects the goal of building resilient, export-ready sectors and aligns with the aspirations behind the Africa Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), NDS2, and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (ZNIDP), while inviting international partners to engage with Africa’s industrial rise.
Zimbabwe will ride on the platform as a launch-pad for transformative partnerships that strengthen regional industries and elevate Africa’s position as a leading global business destination.
This year, the ZITF expo attracted over 800 exhibitors from 30 countries and hopes are high the 2026 edition will be even bigger and bolder. Commenting on the preparations and thematic focus, economic analyst, Mr Reginald Shoko, said the 2026 edition theme was excellent and forward-looking.
“It correctly identifies regional integration and robust supply chains as the twin engines of modern economic growth. By linking ‘Connected Economies’ with ‘Competitive Industries’, it emphasises that collaboration is not an end in itself, but the essential foundation for building resilience and global market relevance,” he said.
“The theme’s success will hinge on translating this vision into tangible, actionable partnerships and infrastructure projects that move goods, data and innovation seamlessly across borders.”
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chapter past vice-president and businessman, Mr Louis Herbst said the theme was both timely and appropriate.
“It speaks to regional integration, cross-border trade, supply-chain connectivity and industrial competitiveness — all critical pillars for sustainable economic growth.”
He, however, said a strong theme on its own was not enough, as the real test lies in whether the trade fair evolves to reflect the ambition embedded in its message.
Mr Herbst said over the years, ZITF has recorded steady growth in exhibitor numbers and attendance, while the upward trend is commendable, but growth must not be confused with impact.
“The ZITF Company has a responsibility to change this narrative. The experience must shift decisively from ‘I walked through today and will not be back’ to ‘I walked through today and must return tomorrow — I only made it through two halls’.
“A progressive trade fair should be immersive, dynamic and slightly unpredictable. It should overwhelm visitors not with banners, but with opportunity. To achieve this, ZITF must set a clear and firm standard for exhibitors who wish to promote their organisations. Participation should be outcome-driven, not cosmetic,” he added.
Mr Herbst said globally, leading trade fairs have evolved into economic marketplaces, which integrate hosted buyers’ programmes, digital matchmaking platforms, curated thematic halls, innovation and investment zones, structured deal rooms and post-event outcome tracking.
He said these mechanisms ensure that conversations translate into contracts, partnerships and capital flows and ZITF can do the same.
“If ZITF is to genuinely champion connected economies and competitive industries, then the theme must be lived on the exhibition floor. Progress should be measured not by floor space filled, but by deals concluded, partnerships formed and investments unlocked,” said Mr Herbst.
“The future of ZITF lies not in being bigger, but in being bolder, smarter and decisively outcome-based.”
ZITF Company Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo said business days will provide concentrated opportunities for high-level conferencing, networking, deal-making, and B2B engagement.
He urged the business community to take advantage of the show especially in positioning their products and services for the regional and international market.
Mr Nkomo said exhibitors have already started booking their participation in ZITF 2026 on the ZITF digital platform where they are able to indicate the amount of space they need, preferred exhibition stand location, orientation and furniture needs.
Established over 65 years ago, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is an exhibition showcase that provides a platform for national, regional and international trade across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism and services.
