Zimpapers Logo

Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

AS Zimbabwe gears up for the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has applauded trade diplomats for their role in positioning Zimbabwe as a premier trade and investment destination.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Raj Modi, Minister Ndlovu said the diplomats were instrumental in promoting international participation at the ZITF 2025.
He said this at the ZITF 2025 Diplomats Engagement Breakfast Meeting held in Harare on Tuesday.
“It is indeed my privileged honour to address you at this pivotal gathering, as we lay the groundwork for the 65th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which will be held from 21 to 26 April 2025 in Bulawayo,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“Today’s engagement recognises the fundamental reality of the inextricability between diplomacy and trade in the global economy.
“Your role in positioning Zimbabwe as a premier trade and investment destination is not merely appreciated, it is indispensable. In this regard, we recognise and commend your unwavering commitment to this vital mission.”
The 65th edition of the ZITF is expected to position Zimbabwe as a competitive hub for trade and investment. The exhibition will be held under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”
In an update recently, ZITF Company revealed that 95,2 percent of space had been taken up.
The company also said 435 direct exhibitors had taken up 47 140,87 square metres of the allocated 49 499 square metres.
International participation is also expected to be stronger this year, with 24 exhibitors from 17 countries confirming their participation.
Minister Ndlovu said Zimbabwe strongly relied on diplomats’ influence to promote ZITF as a gateway for investment, trade linkages, and industrial cooperation.
“Surely, your advocacy will be instrumental in attracting international exhibitors, investors, and business delegations. This will go a long way in unlocking the vast untapped economic potential that Zimbabwe offers,” he said.
“As we approach ZITF 2025, I implore you to actively market this event in your home countries, highlighting the trade and investment opportunities that Zimbabwe offers.
“We exhort you to actively facilitate high-level in-bound trade delegations, support our efforts to position Zimbabwe as a regional trade and industrial hub, and showcase our economic reforms and growth potential.”
Zimbabwe’s strategic location in the heart of Southern Africa positions it as a natural gateway to the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets.
The access to a market of over 1,3 billion people and a combined gross domestic product of approximately US$3,4 trillion presents huge opportunities for businesses in the trade bloc.
The minister said Zimbabwe’s commitment to political stability and peace, coupled with ongoing business reforms by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), underscore the country’s dedication to creating a conducive investment climate.
“We are streamlining business processes, protecting investor rights, and enhancing the ease of doing business,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said ZITF was more than an exhibition; as it was a dynamic ecosystem of trade, networking, and industrial collaboration that brings key stakeholders, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving technological advancement and skills development.