Exhibitors, buyers troop in for ZITF 2026

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 has officially begun in Bulawayo, with exhibitors and buyers continuing to stream into the city as final preparations are completed for the country's premier trade showcase.

Running until Saturday at the Zimbabwe Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), this year's edition is held under the theme "Connected Economies, Competitive Industries", reflecting a focus on integration, innovation and industrial competitiveness.

Demand for exhibition space has surged, forcing organisers to expand beyond the main halls. Early impressions point to high-quality displays, underlining growing confidence in the platform.

The event is expected to draw significant international attention, with Duma Boko set to officially open the fair on Thursday. He will be accompanied by a business delegation aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties.

ZITF Company board chairman, Busisa Moyo, said 485 direct exhibitors, including 100 leaseholders, are participating this year. International representation is robust, with 46 exhibitors from 29 countries spanning Europe, Asia and Africa.

Countries represented include China, Germany, United Kingdom, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, among others.

Indonesia's ambassador to Zimbabwe, Arief Hidayat, said his country is keen to translate existing agreements into tangible investments.

"We will be exhibiting big at the ZITF, and we want to align our investments with Zimbabwe's open-for-business policy," he said, highlighting interest in agriculture, tourism, energy and technology.

On the domestic front, Zanu-PF is also showcasing its structures and historical milestones. Politburo member Elifasi Mashava said the party's exhibition includes a historical display reflecting on the incarceration period of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Private sector players are equally optimistic. Advance Fire Engineers managing director Lovemore Ndebele said the fair offers a valuable platform to engage both current and prospective clients.

Business visitor registrations had reached 10,472 by last Thursday, up from 8,142 last year, signalling rising interest. Government accounts for 42 percent of exhibition space uptake, while the private sector occupies 58 percent  -  a balance organisers say reflects strong market confidence.

The week-long programme features a packed schedule of conferences, forums and networking sessions. Highlights include the Rural Industrialisation Conference, Youth in Business Conference, Innovators Forum and Hackathon, and the flagship International Business Conference.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to headline the International Business Conference, while the Connect Africa Symposium later in the week will be addressed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.

Additional events include the Zimbabwe-Botswana Business Forum, ZITF Charity Golf Challenge and high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening regional and global trade partnerships.

As momentum builds, ZITF 2026 is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting exports, attracting investment and positioning Zimbabwe within global value chains.