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Zimbabwe eyes hosting 5th Intra-Africa Trade Fair in 2027
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Zimbabwe has expressed optimism about hosting the 5th Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in 2027, pending the results of an ongoing evaluation process, NewsDay has learned.
This was revealed by Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi during a press briefing held in Bulawayo on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit of the IATF host bid evaluation committee to the country.
Modi disclosed that Zimbabwe submitted its bid to host the prestigious trade fair last November and has since been shortlisted as a potential host nation alongside Malawi and Nigeria.
"Following the submission, Zimbabwe was shortlisted as a possible candidate together with the bids of Malawi and Nigeria," Modi said. "The Intra-Africa Trade Fair host bid evaluation committee is currently in Zimbabwe for a due diligence process from February 10 to 12, 2025. The objective of the visit is to evaluate the country's preparedness to host the Intra-Africa Trade Fair in 2027."
The evaluation committee, led by Gainmore Zanamwe from Afreximbank, includes representatives from several key organizations such as the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and others.
During the visit, the committee engaged with government officials and stakeholders in Bulawayo on Monday to discuss Zimbabwe's bid. The meeting addressed critical aspects such as infrastructure, logistics, finance, and security, all of which are vital for hosting an event of this scale.
As part of the evaluation, the committee toured the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds to assess the suitability of the venue. This included inspections of exhibition halls, conference facilities, and other amenities.
Additionally, the committee assessed the Airports Company of Zimbabwe's international flight and visitor handling capacity by inspecting airport facilities. They also evaluated Bulawayo's accommodation infrastructure, including hotels and other lodging facilities, to determine the city's ability to host a large influx of international participants and visitors.
"The committee's assessment will play a critical role in determining whether Zimbabwe is granted the opportunity to host this prestigious event," Modi said.
The IATF, a major event organized under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, is a key platform for promoting intra-African trade and investment. Hosting the fair would provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its economic potential and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.
The final decision on the 2027 host nation is expected to be announced after the evaluation process is completed and reviewed.
This was revealed by Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi during a press briefing held in Bulawayo on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit of the IATF host bid evaluation committee to the country.
Modi disclosed that Zimbabwe submitted its bid to host the prestigious trade fair last November and has since been shortlisted as a potential host nation alongside Malawi and Nigeria.
"Following the submission, Zimbabwe was shortlisted as a possible candidate together with the bids of Malawi and Nigeria," Modi said. "The Intra-Africa Trade Fair host bid evaluation committee is currently in Zimbabwe for a due diligence process from February 10 to 12, 2025. The objective of the visit is to evaluate the country's preparedness to host the Intra-Africa Trade Fair in 2027."
The evaluation committee, led by Gainmore Zanamwe from Afreximbank, includes representatives from several key organizations such as the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and others.
During the visit, the committee engaged with government officials and stakeholders in Bulawayo on Monday to discuss Zimbabwe's bid. The meeting addressed critical aspects such as infrastructure, logistics, finance, and security, all of which are vital for hosting an event of this scale.
As part of the evaluation, the committee toured the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds to assess the suitability of the venue. This included inspections of exhibition halls, conference facilities, and other amenities.
Additionally, the committee assessed the Airports Company of Zimbabwe's international flight and visitor handling capacity by inspecting airport facilities. They also evaluated Bulawayo's accommodation infrastructure, including hotels and other lodging facilities, to determine the city's ability to host a large influx of international participants and visitors.
"The committee's assessment will play a critical role in determining whether Zimbabwe is granted the opportunity to host this prestigious event," Modi said.
The IATF, a major event organized under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, is a key platform for promoting intra-African trade and investment. Hosting the fair would provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its economic potential and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.
The final decision on the 2027 host nation is expected to be announced after the evaluation process is completed and reviewed.
Source - newsday
