Chronicle Editor
Jacqueline Ntaka
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has taken a bold step towards the future with its decision to construct a smart city in Bulawayo. The visionary plan to transform its exhibition grounds into a state-of-the-art smart city is without a doubt an ambitious project, with a staggering investment of US$300 million. It has the potential to revolutionise Bulawayo, ushering in a digital and technological revolution that will transform the city’s landscape.
The project, dubbed the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), is a masterclass in urban planning and sustainable development. It promises to revitalise the region and position Bulawayo as a hub for business tourism, commerce and cultural immersion.
At the heart of ZICES will be a brand new international convention centre, capable of hosting up to 5 000 delegates, and a 500-room hotel designed to provide convenience and luxury to visitors and dignitaries alike. A 5-star boutique hotel will cater to the needs of VIPs, ensuring that Bulawayo can accommodate guests with the highest standards of hospitality.
The ZICES is not just a business endeavour; it is a lifestyle revolution. A contemporary retail complex will offer a plethora of shopping, dining and entertainment options, creating a vibrant community space for both residents and tourists. A themed park celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich heritage is also part of the plan, offering a unique blend of education and leisure, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the nation’s history and natural beauty.
But what piqued my interest is the move to embrace technology. By incorporating smart technologies like data analytics, internet of things (IoT), and sustainable infrastructure, the new city will foster an environment of efficiency and innovation that will eventually extend to the rest of Bulawayo, leading to improved quality of life for residents. Imagine a Bulawayo where traffic lights adjust to real-time congestion, waste collection is optimised through sensor-based routing, and residents can access essential services with a tap on their smartphones?
This is the vision that the ZITF’s smart city initiative can bring to life.
The digital revolution spurred by this project will ripple outwards, creating a hub for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs. With a focus on smart technologies, Bulawayo will become a magnet for skilled professionals and businesses, fostering a lively innovation ecosystem. This will not only create new jobs and economic opportunities but also position Bulawayo as a leader in Zimbabwe’s technological advancement.
ZITF’s initiative goes beyond mere technological upgrades. The emphasis on sustainable practices within the smart city framework ensures a future-proof development that is environmentally conscious. Visitors can expect green spaces integrated throughout the city, energy-efficient buildings and a focus on renewable energy sources. This commitment to sustainability creates a healthier environment for people and sets a positive precedent for urban development across Zimbabwe.
Building a smart city is a complex undertaking, but the ZITF’s leadership deserves recognition for its foresight and commitment to progress. The project has the potential to redefine Bulawayo, transforming it into a thriving centre of technology, innovation and sustainable living. As Bulawayo gears up for this exciting transformation, the rest of Zimbabwe can look forward to the positive ripple effects that will undoubtedly follow.
λ Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected].
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu