Mozambican President Daniel Chapo is expected to officially open this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
The annual business showcase, one of the country’s largest trade events, will run from 21 to 26 April 2025 under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape.”
Chapo, who will be making his first official state visit to Zimbabwe as President during the trade fair, will preside over the official opening ceremony on 25 April.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, during Tuesday’s post-cabinet media briefing in Harare. He said:
<blockquote>
The President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo, will officially open the 65th Edition of ZITF on April 25, 2025.
In terms of the current space booking situation, 95% has been booked to date, compared to 87% booked during the same period in 2024. International exhibitor space uptake has increased, with 29 countries having registered.
</blockquote>
According to organisers, nearly 600 direct exhibitors had registered by 7 April, compared to 428 at the same stage last year. Of these, 98 companies will be participating for the first time.
Highlights of this year’s programme include a Rural Industrialisation Indaba, a Connect Africa Symposium, an International Business Forum, and a display by CBZ Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Pindula News

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo will open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo from April 21 to 26, 2025. This year's theme is "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape." Chapo's visit will be his first official one to Zimbabwe as President. The Minister of Information confirmed Chapo's attendance and mentioned that 95% of booth space has been booked, with 29 countries participating. Nearly 600 direct exhibitors have registered, including 98 new companies. The fair will feature events like a Rural Industrialisation Indaba and an International Business Forum.

President Chapo To Open 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has temporarily closed Hillside Road from 14th Avenue to 23rd Avenue / Burns Drive intersection and Samuel Parirenyatwa Street from 12th Avenue to 14th Avenue this Friday.
The road will be closed from 7 AM to 5 PM to facilitate the Official Opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
ZIFT will be officially opened by the King of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), His Majesty King Mswati III.
In a statement, Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube advised motorists to use diversion routes. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public of a temporary closure of Hillside Road from 14th Avenue to 23rd Avenue / Burns Drive intersection and Samuel Parirenyatwa Street from 12th Avenue to 14th Avenue on Friday, 28th April 2023 between 07:00 hours and 17:00 hours.
This is to facilitate the Official Opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
The diversion routes between the 23rd Avenue / Burns Drive and 12th Avenue intersections will be signposted via the Matopos Road and 12th Avenue Extension.
Each junction off the Hillside Road between 23rd Avenue and 12th Avenue will be closed during the Official Opening and manned by Traffic Management Team.
If you approach Hillside Road within the closure area to travel east or west, the Traffic Management Team will ask you to turn around and use the diversion route.
If that is not possible, or if you need to access another junction or property within the closed area, the traffic management team will guide you safely through the closure.
Every effort has been made to ensure disruption to traffic, businesses and residents is kept to a minimum. However, the road closure will inevitably cause some disruption, and for this, the City of Bulawayo wishes to apologise in advance.
The motoring and the general public are advised to exercise extreme caution when entering and leaving the said locations and to observe all warning signs and to follow the instructions of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The City of Bulawayo wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo's Hillside Road Closed For ZITF Official Opening

The Kingdom of Eswatini’s absolute monarch, King Mswati III, is set to officially open the 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo on Friday.
King Mswati is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Tuesday for an official State visit, which begins on Thursday, where he is expected to hold talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Before starting his two-day State visit, he will attend the Transform Africa Summit (TAS), which begins on Wednesday.
Mswati will join Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia at the summit in Victoria Falls.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador James Manzou confirmed Mswati’s visit to<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/king-mswati-iii-jets-in-for-state-visit"> State media</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
King Mswati III will be in the country on April 25 and will begin his stay in Victoria Falls, where he will attend the Transform Africa Summit.
The following day, April 26, he will join other Heads of State participating in the official opening of the summit, before he heads to Harare to begin the official State visit.
The official State visit is scheduled to begin on April 27, where King Mswati will meet President Mnangagwa at State House.
The two leaders will hold official talks before attending a State banquet in the evening of the same day.
Zimbabwe is very happy and honoured to be hosting King Mswati III.
</blockquote>
King Mswati III is one of the world’s last absolute monarchs, with complete control over the government and judiciary of Eswatini.
He has been criticised for restrictions on political freedoms and human rights.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

King Mswati III To Officially Open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is set to host a strategic inaugural Diaspora Investment Conference – “Spotlight Zimbabwe” on the sidelines of the 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday and will take place at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the event seeks to improve the participation of the Diaspora in socio-economic development activities at home and abroad. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
In fulfillment of the aspirations of the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) of improving Diaspora participation in national development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Honourable Ambassador Frederick Shava will host the Inaugural Diaspora Investment Conference “Spotlight Zimbabwe”, during the sidelines of the 63rd Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on 26 April 2023, at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade invites all Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and interested local stakeholders to the Diaspora Investment Conference “Spotlight Zimbabwe” which aims to create a platform for constructive engagements involving Government, Stakeholders, and the Zimbabwean Diaspora Community in areas of mutual concern.
</blockquote>
The conference is expected to be attended by the Zimbabwean Diaspora Associations, Members of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Community, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Provincial Governments, and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This year’s ZITF takes place from 25 April until 29 April and will be running under the theme, “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness”.
The entry fees for this year’s exhibition are as follows: adults will pay US$10 and children will pay US$5.
The ZITF provides a platform for local and international businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential partners, and explore new market opportunities.
The event also features conferences, seminars, and workshops that provide insights into the latest trends and developments in different sectors of the economy.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ministry Of Foreign Affairs To Host Diaspora Investment Conference At ZITF

The Bulawayo Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) says hotels and up-market lodges in the city are fully booked ahead of this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) exhibition.
This year’s event takes from 25 April until 29 April. It is running under the theme, “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness” and will be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in the City of Kings.
HAZ representative Beauty Bhulu told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/hotels-lodges-fully-booked-for-zitf/">Chronicle</a> that all accommodation facilities are fully booked for the annual event. She said:
<blockquote>
Hotels and lodges in Bulawayo are fully booked, but we are still waiting for those who are yet to pay for the bookings, what I can confirm is that accommodation facilities are full ahead of the upcoming ZITF.
Hotels and lodges normally give their clients a deadline to pay for the booked rooms, failure to meet the deadline, they risk losing rooms to new clients as we will be trying to minimise losses.
</blockquote>
Bhulu also said individuals who wish to offer private accommodation to exhibitors should avail of their facilities for inspection. She said:
<blockquote>
For individuals who have enough space to accommodate delegates, they need to consult the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for inspection of their properties and they will get registered with the authority.
</blockquote>
The entry fees for this year’s exhibition are as follows: adults will pay US$10 and children will pay US$5.
The ZITF provides a platform for local and international businesses to showcase their products and services, network with potential partners, and explore new market opportunities.
The event also features conferences, seminars, and workshops that provide insights into the latest trends and developments in different sectors of the economy.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Hotels, Lodges Fully Booked For ZITF

At least 547 exhibitors have booked space for the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which is scheduled for 25 to 29 April.
This is a significant increase from 2022 when 514 exhibitors took part in the annual showcase.
ZITF chief executive officer Nicholas Ndebele on Saturday told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/547-exhibitors-book-space-for-zitf/">The Sunday News</a> that the 547 exhibitors are from 16 countries. He said:
<blockquote>
To date, 547 exhibitors have booked space to showcase their products and services which translates to 97 percent occupancy.
</blockquote>
The countries that will be represented include Angola, Belarus, China, Kenya, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, UK, USA and Zambia.
The 63rd edition of the ZITF will run under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”
Senegal President, Macky Sall is set to be the guest of honour at the showcase which is held annually at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 97% Booked

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has accused business of pretending to be supporting his Government while clandestinely sabotaging it.
Officially opening the 62nd Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo on Friday, 29 April, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
I call upon all economic sectors to exercise great discipline in their business dealings. We must act with greater cohesion and unity of purpose.
Business cannot purport to support Government by day and sabotage it by night, and thereafter, play victim.
It is imperative for us all to make strategic choices in the best interests of our country.
The overall economic competitiveness of our country remains the duty of all of us as Government, industry and consumers.
Collectively, through hard honest work and ethical business practices, let us advance the goal of achieving Vision 2030.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also urged business to capitalise on opportunities presented by regional trading arrangements as well adopting eco-friendly production processes. He said:
<blockquote>
I also urge industry and commerce to reap benefits from the opportunities, which exist under bilateral, regional and multilateral trading arrangements within Sadc, Comesa and the African Free Trade Area.
… I encourage our companies to deliberately adopt contemporary production processes that also protect the environment towards lowering our environmental footprint.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-castigates-economic-saboteurs/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Accuses Business Of Sabotage

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the country’s economy is now out of depression and on recovery as evidenced by the size of the 2022 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which he said is the largest ever.
A depression is a severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity that lasts three or more years or which leads to a decline in real gross domestic product (GDP) of at least 10%.
Speaking after touring various stands at ZITF on Friday morning, Mnangagwa claimed that 75 per cent of the products on supermarket shelves are produced locally. He said:
<blockquote>
I have also been advised by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Nzenza that Zimbabwe is now producing more than 75 per cent of products that are found on our shelves in the supermarkets.
Most of these people are our own people and they come here in order to exhibit their products and do the networking among themselves which is critically important.
It shows that Zimbabwe is now out of depression, we are on the trajectory of recovery of our economy.
</blockquote>
The President also said his Government’s policy of engagement and re-engagement is now bearing fruit with countries such as the United Kingdom exhibiting at the 62nd ZITF after 20 years of not participating.
During his tour, Mnangagwa visited every embassy that was exhibiting including the UK embassy, the embassy of Belarus, the Kenyan embassy and the embassy of Japan.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/zim-economy-now-out-of-depression-ed/">The Sunday News</a></h4>

Zimbabwe's Economy Now Out Of Depression - ED

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has engaged two COVID-19 testing service providers and one vaccination service provider for this year’s showcase as part of managing the spread of the disease.
ZITF Company chief executive officer Nicholas Ndebele, in a statement on Saturday night, said all was set for the trade showcase and they will be providing COVID-19 testing and vaccination. He said:
<blockquote>
The stage is now set for the 61st edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which begins on Tuesday.
There are two testing service providers as well as one vaccination service provider on site at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
This is for the convenience of those that are yet to get vaccinated. We encourage those who have not done so to take advantage of these facilities during ZITF in the coming week.
</blockquote>
He said the COVID-19 free certificate requirement is only applicable to exhibitors and International Business Conference delegates.
The test could either be polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Antigen, Ndebele added.
For those who wish to attend the show as visitors, the entry on business days was free (21- 23 September), if they register online, but if one registers at the gate, they have to pay US$20 or Zimbabwe dollar equivalent at the bank rate.
Ndebele said entry on public days was US$5 or the Zimbabwe dollar equivalent at the official rate. He said:
<blockquote>
Advance tickets may be purchased from Choppies (Choppies Bulawayo Centre, Fort Street and Nkulumane Sokusile), Wholesale Centre Liquor Hub in Fife Street and Saimart (Nketa 6).
</blockquote>
Ndebele said in the interest of managing numbers and for the convenience of exhibitors, they have set up a badges collection point at Rainbow Towers in Harare.
This year the show is running under the theme: Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities. It will run from 21 to 24 September.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/">The Sunday News</a></h4>

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination At ZITF

The 2021 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has been deferred to August following an upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
This was revealed by the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Joram Gumbo during a tour of Vulindlela Primary School in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo. He said:
<blockquote>It was decided yesterday at Cabinet that ZITF be postponed to August following an upsurge in COVID-19 cases because it’s important that we take care of ourselves, we can always hold it when the situation has normalised.
The virus is deadly and it’s no joke but at times people take it lightly and ignore directives from Government.</blockquote>
This year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair was scheduled to run from 20 to 23 July.
The exhibition was last held in 2019. ZITF was suspended in 2020 after the country imposed a lockdown following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March.
This year, the exhibition will run under the theme, “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities.”
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/latest-zitf-deferred-to-august/">The Sunday News</a></h4>

ZITF Deferred To August Due To Concerns Over Coronavirus

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company revealed that it had sold 68 per cent of its exhibition space for the show set to run from April 23 to 27. ZITF Company’s acting general manager, Nicholas Ndebele said:
<blockquote>Preparations for the 60th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair are gaining momentum and the organisers are upbeat and charged with positivity for a successful show.
The diamond jubilee show takes place against a backdrop of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community and renewed impetus to work 
together to achieve a positive socio-economic outlook for Zimbabwe.
As the country continues on its sustainable industrial development agenda, ZITF 2019 will be an ideal platform for individuals, companies and communities with bankable investment projects to showcase them to potential investors and partners.
… We are hopeful for a speedy conclusion to these discussions, culminating in trade and investment delegations from the afore-mentioned countries during ZITF 2019.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/02/zitf-preparations-gather-momentum/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h4>

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