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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected] 

FOLLOWING a lengthy tour of various exhibits at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) yesterday, President Mnangagwa praised the exceptional quality of local displays. He declared them a testament to the nation’s innovative spirit and resilience — key ingredients for achieving national prosperity.

President Mnangagwa embarked on the tour ahead of today’s official opening ceremony, to be presided over by Kenyan President William Ruto. 

ZITF serves as a crucial platform for showcasing technological advancements with the potential to drive industrial growth. It also fosters entrepreneurship by connecting new businesses with potential customers and investors.

Accompanied by Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu, ZITF Company Chair Mr Busisa Moyo, ZITF CEO Dr Nicholas Ndebele, and other government officials, the President spent nearly three hours visiting close to 20 exhibition stands.

Following his tour, President Mnangagwa addressed the media, highlighting the products’ trajectory of growth in terms of quality, volume and variety.

“So far what the ZITF Board Chairman has shown me around the fair, I can say I am extremely impressed and proud that year after year the products that are exhibited show a trajectory of growth in terms of quality, volume, and variety.

“Our people — Zimbabweans — have embraced the philosophy ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo’.

“All the stands I visited, I witnessed Zimbabweans exhibiting their proud innovations and products. Very few are foreign but the majority are domestic products which are of the highest quality. We can compare our products with any other products worldwide. As such, let’s remain resolute in building our nation,” said a jovial President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa commenced his ZITF tour at Hall Four, visiting several stands, including the United Kingdom pavilion, the European Union pavilion and Good Hope Leather. At the UK stand, embassy officials warmly welcomed him, and they exchanged pleasantries.

Exiting Hall Four and heading towards Hall Five, where the Zanu-PF pavilion awaited, President Mnangagwa was met with a thunderous roar of cheers. The jubilant crowd swayed to rhythmic dances, their energy infectious across all age groups. Onlookers revelled in the moment, their voices brimming with joy at seeing the Head of State up close. President Mnangagwa, weaving through the crowd, became a focal point of excitement. At each pavilion, exhibitors jostled for optimal positions, eager to capture this historic encounter on their mobile phones.

Inside the bustling Hall Five, President Mnangagwa embarked on a journey through a diverse array of stands, each representing a unique aspect of Zimbabwe’s vibrant landscape. He visited the Chitepo School of Ideology, a hub for intellectual discourse and ideological exploration, and the Zanu-PF Media Centre, a dynamic centre for information dissemination.

Pausing next to the Zimpapers radio station’s Star FM stand, President Mnangagwa engaged in a conversation with a young boy, the anticipation in the air palpable. He then proceeded to the Bulawayo Agricultural Society stands and the Chinese Pavilion, where he explored various exhibits, including Dinson Steel and Huawei.

President Mnangagwa concluded his extensive tour at the Office of the President and Cabinet stand before addressing the media.