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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE has taken a significant step towards securing the rights to host the prestigious Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in 2027, with a high-level delegation from the event’s bid evaluation committee in the country to assess its readiness and suitability as a host nation.

The delegation, led by Mr Gainmore Zanamwe from Afreximbank, comprises representatives from key continental and international institutions, including the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and Reeds Exhibitions, among others.

During a media briefing in Bulawayo yesterday, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, expressed optimism about Zimbabwe’s chances, citing the country’s strategic location, economic resilience, and track record in hosting large-scale events.

“The Intra-Africa Trade Fair host bid evaluation committee is in Zimbabwe for a due diligence process from 10 to 12 February 2025. I am 99.9 per cent sure that we are going to get the opportunity to host this prestigious event,” he said.

Deputy Minister Modi said hosting the IATF would significantly boost the country’s economy by attracting thousands of visitors, promoting tourism, creating employment opportunities, and driving infrastructure development.
Zimbabwe successfully submitted its bid to host the fifth edition of the IATF in November last year and was subsequently shortlisted alongside Malawi and Nigeria.

The country’s bid is centred on the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, a key hub for trade and investment events.

Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi (right) chats with the head of delegation for the Intra-Africa Trade Fair Bid Evaluation Committee Mr Gainmore Zanamwe after touring The Elander Hotel in Bulawayo.

As part of the evaluation process, the committee toured the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre to assess its suitability as the main venue. They inspected the exhibition halls, conference facilities, and surrounding amenities to ensure they meet international standards.

The delegation also assessed Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport to evaluate the facility’s capacity to handle international flights and the expected influx of visitors.

The committee reviewed accommodation facilities, including hotels and lodges in Bulawayo, to determine their ability to host high-profile delegates and exhibitors from across the continent and beyond.

On Monday, the bid evaluation committee held a crucial meeting in Bulawayo with government officials and key stakeholders to deliberate on Zimbabwe’s bid. The discussions focused on infrastructure development, logistics, financial preparedness, and security measures.

Deputy Minister Modi said the engagement was essential in addressing any concerns raised by the evaluation team.
“Let me highlight that the meeting provided an opportunity for the committee to seek clarification on various aspects of the bid, including infrastructure, logistics, finance, and security,” he said.

Zimbabwe has demonstrated its capability to host large-scale events, with Bulawayo successfully managing the Zanu-PF 21st National People’s Conference, which attracted over 4,000 delegates last year. The city is home to the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), one of Africa’s leading business exhibitions, further showcasing its ability to host international trade events.

ZITF

Hosting the IATF would not only solidify Zimbabwe’s reputation as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination but also unlock immense economic benefits. Past hosts of the IATF have experienced substantial infrastructure development, increased investor interest, and a boost in tourism.

Organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the AUC and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the IATF is a premier platform for facilitating intra-African trade and investment. The fair provides businesses and governments with opportunities to engage in trade deals, explore new markets, and strengthen economic cooperation.

The inaugural IATF was held in Egypt in 2018, followed by a second edition in South Africa in 2021. The third edition took place in Egypt in 2023, while Algeria is set to host the fourth IATF in 2025.

If successful, Zimbabwe’s hosting of the IATF in 2027 would mark a major milestone in the country’s trade and investment landscape. The event is expected to draw thousands of exhibitors, investors, and government representatives from across the continent, fostering new business partnerships and boosting the country’s economic standing.

The country’s bid aligns with the government’s strategy of leveraging MICE tourism and its vast tourism attractions to position itself as a leading business and leisure destination in Africa.
@SikhulekelaniM1.