Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has set its sights on an ambitious revival of Scholastica Expo, announcing the first stand-alone edition of the event in over a decade.
Scheduled to run from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, the expo aims to draw 4 500 participants from across Zimbabwe and the SADC region.
It will be held under the theme, “Empowering Future Generations through Heritage-Based Education and Innovation.”
Traditionally held as a component of the annual ZITF showcase, Scholastica has long been regarded as a bridge-builder between the education and employment sectors.
This new chapter marks a bold return, re-establishing the event as a dedicated platform for educational innovation, workforce development and cultural heritage promotion.
Last week, ZITF Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele unveiled the reimagined format, describing the move as a strategic realignment of Scholastica’s role in national development.
“The decision to host Scholastica in July as an independent event stems directly from crucial conversations held during past ZITF editions, where the consistent theme was the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia,” said Dr Ndebele.
“Separating Scholastica from the main ZITF this year will give it greater prominence and allow deeper engagement with issues such as heritage-based education, indigenous knowledge systems and career development.”
The Scholastica Expo seeks to deliver value across several strategic dimensions, including bridging the gap between industry and academia, by fostering vital connections between educational institutions and prospective employers, nurturing a workforce equipped to drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
It also seeks to provide a centralised Career Fair, to serve as a single, cost-effective hub facilitating streamlined recruitment, networking and exposure for students exploring post-secondary opportunities.
The expo also endeavours to champion Heritage-Based Education, by complementing the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 curriculum and celebrating indigenous knowledge systems and cultural identity through a series of curated activities and exhibits.
ZITF Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo underscored the significance of the relaunch.
“We invite students, educators, professionals and industry stakeholders to be part of this historic moment —where education meets innovation and opportunities take flight,” said Mr Nkomo.
“Positioning Scholastica as a stand-alone expo after more than a decade signals our commitment to advancing education and career development opportunities.
“With our ambitious target of 4 500 participants, we aim to create an unparalleled platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation.
“We want Scholastica Expo to be the go-to event for students, professionals, development agencies, businesses, recruiters — everyone with an interest in the education sector.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between industry and academia and facilitate the production of a future-ready and relevant workforce for the country.”
