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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

 THE ZITF Company has altered and expanded the 2024 exhibition theme from “Innovation: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade,” to “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade” with organisers saying the new theme recognises that innovation and entrepreneurship are complementary forces that work together to open pathways to economic growth and progress.

The highly anticipated Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is scheduled to take place in Bulawayo from April 23-27.

Kenyan  President Dr William Ruto is billed to officially open the 64th edition.

Announcing the new theme yesterday, ZITF Company board chairman,  Mr Busisa Moyo, said while the core commitment to supporting industry, commerce and overall economic development remains, the 2024 theme has been expanded to: “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade.”

“The new theme recognises that innovation and entrepreneurship are complementary forces that work together to open pathways to economic growth and progress.

“Entrepreneurs leverage innovation to create successful businesses, while innovation thrives through the adaptability and risk appetite of entrepreneurs,” said Mr Moyo.

“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.”

In addition to the multiplicity of sectors traditionally represented at ZITF, Mr Moyo said the broadened focus acknowledges the need to encompass a wider range of topics and widen the catchment of exhibiting companies to include those involved in disruptive innovation and its impact on various industries and harnessing the power of digitalisation for sustainable growth.

 The focus also touches on grassroots innovation and tech start-ups, green technologies and eco-friendly business practices and creative initiatives that drive social responsibility and inclusive development.

Mr Moyo said preparations for the global exhibition have reached a climax, with a total of 27 countries having so far confirmed their participation, with 98 percent of the exhibition space already booked.

“As preparations for the international, multi-sectoral trade show are heading to a climax, the uptake by exhibitors has been quite pleasing.

“We are currently sitting at 98 percent of space capacity, with 517 exhibitors  who have taken up 48 881 square metres of the set aside 49 499 square metres,” he said.

“All exhibition halls and individual pavilions are now full and we will be erecting a marquee to house the many exhibitors who have been put on the waiting list.

“International participation is also very strong. To date, we have confirmed exhibits from 27 countries namely: Botswana, Belarus, Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Kingdom of Eswatini, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia.”

International participation compares favourably with last year’s closing total of 21 countries represented.

The ZITF Company has been given a mandate to lead the national branding efforts for Zimbabwe while promoting investment and economic growth.

Several high-profile meetings including the Diplomats Forum and Africa Connect Symposium will be held on the sidelines of the ZITF.

The main activities at the 2024 ZITF will comprise the ZITF Welcome Cocktail; the ZITF International Business Conference on April 24, which will be officially opened by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga; the ZITF  Charity Golf Challenge, ZITF Diplomats Forum, Connect Africa Symposium and the Tourism Night, which will be held on April 25.

The ZITF Diplomats Forum will be held under the theme “Fostering Economic Partnerships through Entrepreneurship” while the theme for the Connect Africa Symposium will be “Entrepreneurial Africa: Routes to Sustainable Progress”.

The Symposium will be officially opened by Vice President Kembo Mohadi while the official                                   opening ceremony and the ZNCC Business Luncheon will be on April 26.

ZITF has been hosting training seminars for exhibitors ahead of the trade exhibition.