Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Online Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 will provide a multi-sectoral platform to increase private sector participation, promote youth entrepreneurship and facilitate business-to-Government engagement, the company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, has said.
Addressing delegates at the 2026 Diplomats Engagement Meeting ahead of the fair, Dr Ndebele described ZITF as a “co-creation” platform with Government agencies, private sector players and international partners playing a key role.
The fair will be held in Bulawayo from April 20 to April 25, 2026.
“I have so much hope ahead of the event. It is a vital role in making this platform international, which is our aspiration as organisers, to always bring out the flavour of that international output. ZITF is a co-creation, and it cannot be organised by the ZITF company alone,” he said.
Dr Ndebele said the fair would provide direct access to policymakers, including cabinet ministers and enable business-to-business and business-to-Government interactions.
“It is curated for B2G interactions, being business to Government as well as business to capital,” he said.
“The ecosystem is there. The private sector is quite important, which is why we are giving them a significant role on that platform so that they can attract the entire private sector.”
Dr Ndebele said youth played a vital role in driving Zimbabwe’s future economy.
“It is important that we take care of that special interest group that is youth. Participation has been increasing gradually each year,” he said.
“Last year, youth accounted for 27,7 percent of participants. We want to maintain that trajectory.”
Themed “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” ZITF 2026 will feature the Youth in Business Conference, Rural Industrialisation Conference, Innovators Forum, International Business Conference, and Digital Economy Conference.
The Investor Lounge, led by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) will be introduced to attract investments.
Dr Ndebele said organisers were working with the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry to ensure affordable accommodation and smooth logistics.
“Customs and clearance for exhibitors bringing in exhibits will be made hassle-free through a green route,” he said.
The fair will officially open on Thursday, 20 April, with public entertainment scheduled for the final day.
Dr Ndebele said ZITF 2026 would benchmark against regional and global best practices to remain attractive to local and international participants.
