Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
“Innovation” was a word that dominated the just-ended 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
The five-day exhibition held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZIEC) ended yesterday (Saturday) and was running under the theme:
“Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.” In line with the theme, the exhibitions from both local and international exhibitors showcased their innovativeness, while awards were given to the most innovative, creative and enterprising companies that showcased their products at the trade expo.
Conferences and events that were held on the sidelines of the ZITF had discussions that also spoke to innovation, of notable being the ZITF Innovators Forum which was held for two days. Of note, officially opening the country’s flagship trade event, Eswatini King Mswati III said the exhibitions were great and there was innovation.
“I congratulate Zimbabwe for hosting a successful trade fair, while the exhibitions were great and innovative. It’s a confirmation that Africa is ready to compete in the international market and claim a share of the global economy.”
He said the theme of this year’s ZITF was in line with the Transform Africa Summit 2023, an annual forum that brought together global and regional leaders from government, business and international organisations to collaborate on new ways of shaping, accelerating and sustaining Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.
He said digital trade must be the new normal in Africa and Zimbabwe should be one of the countries that take the lead in it alongside Eswatini. While touring the exhibition stands with King Mswati III, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the quality of this year’s exhibition was of high quality.
“The exhibitions are better than last year, the quality is better than last year. The displays are fantastic and majestic. All the exhibitions we have seen are majestic. We are beyond already (achieving Vision 2030) I believe that we are going to achieve our vision with enthusiasm. I could see it in both our people and those who are exhibiting, I am so satisfied that we are in the same direction,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Vice-President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga rallied local businesses to increase strategic partnerships along value chains, as well as secure synergies with foreign counterparts as they adapt and innovate to enhance global competitiveness and resilience against unforeseen shocks.
Officially opening the ZITF 2023 International Business Conference that ran under the same theme set for ZITF, he said Zimbabwe has made strides in realising targets set out under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which is anchored on an inclusive private sector-led growth model.
While Government continues to play its part in facilitating ease of doing business, he charged the private sector to play an active leading role in growing the economy towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and both businesses and countries must adapt and innovate in order to stay competitive.
“We must be at the forefront of innovation, and driving change, if we are to succeed in achieving our aspirations of an empowered and prosperous middle-income economy by 2030,” said the Vice-President.
At the Connect Africa Symposium on Thursday, he said the event which ran under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s potential, innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development” spotlighted the pivotal role of innovation, as it rallies Africa to identify future disruptors.
“This calls for the need to craft and implement strategies to adapt to emerging trends as the needs of our economies change. The key lessons for Zimbabwe, and for the rest of Africa, I believe, are as follows, the African population is by far the youngest globally, and is growing fast according to the United Nations statistics. This presents a huge potential for a domestic market like no other, for African products.”
He said innovation was the key to accelerating development in different facets, such as policymaking, infrastructure development, industrial processes and other economic activities.
The Vice-President said increased investment in innovation and forging of strategic partnerships was paramount, as economic players seek ways to competitively stand out in the ruthless international markets.
In the same vein, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza speaking at the Connect Africa Symposium, said the key messaging has been leveraging the history of Africa, interconnectedness and interrelationship in order to compete with other Trade Blocs in the world.
“In order to trade we must produce. Not only produce using the traditional methods but produce innovatively paying attention to creating high value products. I would like to reassure you that we have not been left behind in the new trend of co-operating to compete with other African countries.”
Online Reporter