Oliver Kazunga, Harare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has extended the number of days for this year’s trade showcase from five to six to provide more opportunities for business and networking among exhibitors, stakeholders, and visitors.
ZITF is the country’s premier trade showcase held in Bulawayo annually and serves as a strategic avenue for positioning Zimbabwe as a dynamic player in the global marketplace.
This year’s event, which is the 65th non-consecutive edition begins from April 21 to 26 under the theme, “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape”.
Responding to questions from an enquiry by this publication, the ZITF Company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the decision to expand the event was made following careful consideration and has been endorsed by the Government.
He said the six-day format is being introduced on a trial basis for the 2025 edition.
“The 2025 edition of the ZITF will run for six days, from 21 to 26 April, marking an exciting new development for the event.
“This move aims to provide more opportunities for business and networking among exhibitors, stakeholders, and visitors.
“The decision to expand the event was made following careful consideration and has been endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,” he said.
“With regard to the six-day format, this is being introduced on a trial basis for the 2025 edition.
“Feedback from exhibitors, visitors, and stakeholders will inform the decision on whether this format will be adopted permanently in future editions.”
Dr Ndebele said shifting the business-focused days to Monday to Wednesday will allow the public to enjoy three days of fun activities and exhibition experiences between Thursday and Saturday. He said interest in the 2025 ZITF edition has been exceptionally strong, with 251 direct exhibitors securing a total of 35 714 square metres of exhibition space so far.
Notably, the event whose registration is ongoing, has already attracted participation from 10 countries — Canada, the European Union, Egypt, Japan, Pakistan, South Africa, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, reflecting its growing international appeal.
Last year, the ZITF achieved 100 percent exhibition space occupancy with 624 direct exhibitors from 565 in 2023 while the number of exhibiting countries also improved from 21 to 26 and these included Brazil, Eswatini, North Korea, Namibia, Romania, and Indonesia.
In addition, the number of first time exhibitors rose to 136 last year compared to 103 in 2023.
Consequently, organisers of the show were forced to put a tent outside to accommodate those who could not get space indoors.
Dr Ndebele said visitors at this year’s show can expect exhibits spanning heavy and light manufacturing — machinery, equipment, and production technologies that enhance industrial efficiency; agro-processing and value addition —showcasing Zimbabwe’s potential in transforming raw agricultural outputs into high-value products.
On mining and mineral beneficiation, emphasis will shift from raw material exports to processed goods for greater economic returns, and the automotive and engineering will feature advancements in vehicle assembly, automation, and industrial engineering solutions.
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele
It is hoped that the renewable energy and sustainability initiative will highlight innovations in clean energy, waste management, and green manufacturing practices.
The digital transformation and smart technologies space is expected to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and Industry 4.0 are revolutionising production and business processes.
“By bringing together local and international exhibitors, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, the trade fair will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships.
“It will provide opportunities to explore strategic value chains, enhance regional trade integration, and craft policies that support industrialisation and economic resilience.
“As Zimbabwe and the broader African continent strive towards self-reliance, economic diversification, and regional industrial integration, ZITF 2025 will reaffirm its role as a catalyst for progress — driving conversations, forging partnerships, andshaping the future of African industry,” said Dr Ndebele.
