435 direct exhibitors registered for ZITF 2025 to date

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter

OVER 400 direct exhibitors have taken up of over 47 000 square metres for exhibition at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, accounting for 95.2 percent of space capacity ahead of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025.

The 65th edition of one of Africa’s premier trade showcases, is set to take place from 21 to 26 April and will run under the theme: “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”

The 2025 edition also commemorates ZITF’s Blue Sapphire anniversary (65 years), celebrating decades of excellence in promoting innovation and fostering regional business growth.

Giving an update during the ZITF 2025 Media Briefing on Thursday, ZITF Company board chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo said international participation was also very strong.

“As preparations for the international, multi-sectoral tradeshow are heading to a climax, the uptake by exhibitors has been quite pleasing. We are currently sitting at 95.2 percent of space capacity with 435 direct exhibitors who have taken up 47 140.87 square metres of the set aside 49 499 Square metres,” he said.

“International participation is also very strong. To date, we have confirmed 24 confirmed international exhibits from 17 countries. This compares favourably with the booking situation at the same time last year when 13 countries had booked space. Last year’s closing total was 27 countries represented.”

He said the event will feature individual companies and organisations from Afghanistan, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Pakistan, showcasing their products and services.

Mr Moyo said additionally, several countries and regional bodies will be participating through organised delegations, underscoring their commitment to fostering trade and economic partnerships.

“These include Belarus, China, the European Union, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

“Beyond exhibitors, the event will also welcome a high-level delegations from India (organised by the (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry {FICCI)) who will be attending as visitors to explore business and investment opportunities,” he added.

He said bookings and enquiries continue to come in underscoring Zimbabwe’s growing significance as a gateway to regional and global markets.

Mr Moyo said ZITF 2025 will showcase a diverse range of events designed to provide valuable experiences for both exhibitors and visitors.

He said this year’s schedule promises a packed agenda with opportunities for networking, learning, and exploring innovative solutions.

Giving a breakdown of the key events, Mr Moyo said: “On Monday, 21 April the exhibition opens, on Tuesday, 22 April there will be a Welcome Cocktail (in partnership with the British Embassy in Zimbabwe), Buyers’ Speed Networking, ZITF 2025 Innovators Forum, and Hackathon.”

He said on Wednesday, 23 April there will be a ZITF International Business Conference, Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, ZITF 2025 Innovators Forum, and Hackathon.

Mr Moyo said on Thursday, 24 April there will be the Connect Africa Symposium, ZITF Diplomats’ Forum, ZITF Charity Golf Challenge and Scholastica Indaba.

While the Official Opening Ceremony and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Business Luncheon will be Friday, 25 April, with the Public Entertainment Programme and exhibition closing on Saturday, 26 April.

He said the ZITF Company continues to prioritise visitor and exhibitor convenience through several key initiatives aimed at improving access, reducing congestion, and enhancing overall customer experience.

“To streamline the entry process and reduce congestion, ZITF has opened a satellite office in Harare, strategically located at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) offices. This new office is designed to handle inquiries, bookings, and the collection of exhibitor badges and related documents in advance. This initiative will help avoid typical congestion at the main entry points during the first and second days of the show,” he added.

Mr Moyo said ZITF has also expanded its parking facilities to accommodate the increased number of visitors and exhibitors.

He said these additional parking spaces are intended to alleviate pressure on the main parking areas and ensure a smoother arrival experience for all attendees.

Mr Moyo said: “To further enhance convenience and reduce vehicular congestion around the exhibition center, ZITF will offer eco-friendly shuttle services. These shuttles will transport guests between the exhibition center and three key hotels, providing an efficient, convenient, and sustainable transport solution for hotel guests.”

He said with these improvements, ZITF 2025 continues to set a new standard for customer experience, ensuring that exhibitors and visitors can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable event.