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 official opening of the 2024 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has been postponed from Friday to Saturday due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
The President of the Republic Of Kenya, William Ruto, remains the guest of honour and will be accompanied by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is patron of the ZITF.
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, ZITF Company chairman, Busisa Moyo, said the official opening ceremony will start at 10 AM on Saturday, instead of the usual 2 PM. Guests are required to be seated in the main arena by 9:30 AM.
Mnangagwa is expected to visit the show and tour some stands tomorrow, Friday. The Chairman’s Luncheon will follow thereafter, as per invitation. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zitf-official-opening-moved-to-saturday/">Added Moyo</a>:
<blockquote>
The ZITF Company appreciates your support and understanding. We look forward to an exciting ZITF 2024 public visitor period (26-27 April).
</blockquote>
The ZITF opened on Tuesday this week, with several countries from SADC, the Middle East and Europe also exhibiting at the event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZITF Official Opening Deferred To Saturday

The Government says it will introduce higher parking fees and shuttle services during this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and bar motorists from driving into the exhibition area.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025511/walk-to-venue-during-zitf-govt">NewsDay</a>, the Industry and Commerce Ministry’s permanent secretary, Thomas Utete Wushe, said this will be done to encourage people to walk in the showgrounds as well as reduce the carbon footprint. Said Wushe:
<blockquote>
We do not want to use too much driving. We are going to be promoting the use of shuttle services so that people shuttle to and from hotels.
That will help in two ways. One, it would relieve our parking demand. And number two; it will reduce the carbon footprint at the ZITF venue.
The other thing is we are going to be encouraging people to walk within the showgrounds. Very few vehicles will be allowed to drive into the exhibition area so that people walk. So, if you go there, you can enjoy the show.
What we want to do is to discourage people from driving into the venue leading to shortages of parking. We want people to use shuttles or even walk to the venue.
</blockquote>
The 2024 ZITF will run from April 23 to 27 at the ZITF Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
This 64th exhibition will run under the theme, “Innovation the Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade”.
This year’s trade showcase was initially set to be held under the theme: “Entrepreneurship: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade” before it was changed to “Innovation the Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade.” 
Explaining the change in a statement on Thursday last week, ZITF board chairperson Busisa Moyo said it is meant to accommodate the broadened focus of the event. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
This theme also recognises that Zimbabwe currently boasts a vibrant and growing innovation scene, largely because of government initiatives as espoused in the guiding Vision 2030 whose focus is on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, equitable development and prosperity for all.
We are also cognizant of the vital role that innovation plays not only in driving industrialisation and trade but also in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
By focusing on innovative solutions, we aim to equip businesses with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says To Promote Use Of Shuttle Services At 2024 ZITF Exhibition

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday said Western-imposed sanctions are actually good for Zimbabwe as they have almost turned the country into an attraction for foreign exhibitors.
Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing journalists soon after touring stands at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
He was being accompanied by visiting Eswatini King Mswati III who officially opened the fair. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mnangagwa-says-western-imposed-sanctions-are-good/">Mnangagwa said</a>:
<blockquote>
People get excited by sanctions; that is why they come here to see what happens under sanctions.
In fact, you see that sanctions are very good. Numbers are increasing, increasing, and increasing.
The Americans are here, the British are here, and the European Union is here, what else would we want?
Everybody is here, so this re-engagement and engagement are bearing fruits.
You see, perhaps they (international exhibitors) heard that His Majesty (King Mswati) is coming.
That’s why they are here. In fact, if that is the reason next year he is going to come again.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been subject to various sanctions by Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, for alleged human rights abuses, political instability, and economic mismanagement.
In 2001, the United States enacted the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA).
ZDERA imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, including travel bans and asset freezes on senior Government officials, and also restricts US support for international financial institutions providing assistance to Zimbabwe.
Sanctions have contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic decline by restricting access to foreign investment, credit lines, and trade partners.
Sanctions are, however, not the only factor contributing to Zimbabwe’s challenges.
Other factors, such as corruption, mismanagement, and political instability have also contributed to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic problems.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Says Sanctions "Are Good" For Zimbabwe

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

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has warned business executives not to engage in corrupt activities saying the Government has zero tolerance for corruption.
Chiwenga issued the warning on Wednesday during a speech to business leaders and investors attending the International Business Conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo. He said:
<blockquote>
I urge you to embrace the tenets of good corporate governance. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has declared zero tolerance for corruption. Therefore, do not be found on the wrong side of the law.
</blockquote>
Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Zimbabwe among the most corrupt countries in the world.
Zimbabwe scored 23 on a scale from 0 (“highly corrupt”) to 100 (“very clean”). 
When ranked by score, Zimbabwe ranked 157th among the 180 countries in the Index, where the country ranked last is perceived to have the most corrupt public sector.
Corruption has been a longstanding problem in Zimbabwe and some of the key areas where it has been reported include public procurement, the mining sector, land redistribution, and the judiciary.
Corruption has undermined public trust in government institutions, eroded investor confidence, and resulted in the misallocation of resources.
Meanwhile, efforts to combat corruption have been limited, with many anti-corruption agencies such as ZACC and ZRP lacking the necessary resources and independence to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chiwenga Warns Business Executives Over Corruption

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

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company has once again postponed this year’s exhibition edition in line with level four national lockdown.
ZITF had been scheduled to run from August 23 to 25 and last week ZITF management said that only fully vaccinated exhibitors with COVID-19 PCR certificates obtained within 48 hours would be admitted in this year’s edition.
However, in a statement this Tuesday, ZITF said the exhibition has been moved forward to 21-24 September 2021.
Pindula News is publishing a statement issued by ZITF board chairman Busisa Moyo on Tuesday, 17 September 2021:
<blockquote>
Following the extension of the national Level 4 lockdown announced by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe Cde E.D. Mnangagwa last week, the ZITE Company Board &amp; Management wishes to officially advise exhibitors, service providers, registered buyers, business visitors and other stakeholders of the decision to postpone the 2021 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to 21-24 September 2021.
The decision to postpone the fair was reached with the approval of the Government of Zimbabwe and after consultation with a wide cross-section of stakeholders.
With the continued ban on intercity travel, it has been difficult for out-of-town exhibitors to effectively plan their participation and bring in their exhibits, particularly for those without Bulawayo offices.
Consequently, postponing the tradeshow to September provides exhibitors with more time to adequately prepare for their participation without contravening national lockdown regulations.
Navigating the business landscape in these turbulent times has required an unprecedented level of agility and resilience across the board.
We therefore wish to take this opportunity to commend our various stakeholders for their continued patience and forbearance in these continually evolving circumstances whilst simultaneously apologising unreservedly for any inconvenience caused by the postponement. 
In the meantime, we urge all our participants to take advantage of this extended planning horizon and continue to prepare for their participation to ensure that the show is of the same excellent standard, which ZITF has been traditionally known for.
Ensuring stakeholder safety at our events and venues remains at the top of our agenda.
To that end, we have shared the ZITF 2021 Safety and Risk Management Participant Guidelines that outline the rigorous measures, which will be in effect at the show. We will continue to keep our stakeholders informed of any new developments.
We therefore continue to lend our voices to calls for the public to observe the prescribed health and safety protocols, particularly to:
<ul>
<li>Mask Up! (covering nose and mouth)!</li>
<li>Sanitise/Hand wash!</li>
<li>Physical Distance!</li>
<li>Get Vaccinated!</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZITF Postponed To 21-24 September | FULL TEXT

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has proposed to hold this year’s trade showcase in late September when the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have subsided.
This follows a decision by the Cabinet to defer the ZITF which was supposed to be held from July 20 to 23 following an exponential rise in coronavirus infections.
<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/30/zitf-deferred-to-august-due-to-concerns-over-coronavirus/">ZITF Deferred To August Due To Concerns Over Coronavirus</a></li>
</ul>
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sekai Nzenza, ZITF Company board chairman, Busisa Moyo said:
<blockquote>We have been ceased with the matter of adjusting ZITF dates which were originally 20-23 July but now require a review of the appropriateness of holding the event on these dates in light of the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Our local, as well as foreign exhibitors, are gravely concerned about travelling and exhibiting given the current trajectory of the pandemic in Zimbabwe.
Indeed, His Excellency Honourable E.D Mnangagwa, The President made a special announcement and placed the country at Lockdown: Level 4.
In light of the foregoing, we, therefore, recommend the following alternative dates: 21-24 September 2021 and 28 September to 1 October 2021.</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.”
Eleven countries had confirmed participation, namely Angola, Belarus, Botswana, Indonesia, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-zitf-dates-proposed/">The Herald</a></h4>

ZITF Proposes New Dates For 2021 Exhibition

Namibian president Hage Geingob is set to officially open this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). The official opening will be on Friday April 28 in Bulawayo. President Geingob is expected to arrive on Wednesday for Friday’s official opening of this year’s ZITF. During his visit, he is expected to visit Kariba hydro project which is under construction.
This year’s event is being held under the theme, “Harnessing Linkages for Industrial Development.”
More: <a href="http://www.zbc.co.zw/2017/04/24/namibian-president-geingob-to-open-zitf/">ZBC News</a>

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