ZITF 2025: What to expect at this year’s event

Similarly, in purpose context with Apple’s world wide developer conference, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), held annually in Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city, has long been a significant event in the southern African region consistently drawing attention from businesses and investors across the region and beyond. This year, the annual business showcase, one of the country’s largest trade events, is running from April 21 to April 26, 2025, under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape.” Dubbed the Blue Sapphire Edition, this year’s theme underscores the role of industrialisation in fostering economic transformation, investment and regional integration. It seeks to attract investors, open doors for entrepreneurs and businesses, both experienced and those new to the field. So what to expect this year?

The fair was officially opened by the President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, further highlighting the regional diplomatic and economic importance of the event.

Over the years, the trade fair has evolved from a national exhibition to a global event that attracts delegates from across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. In alignment with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, this year’s ZITF focuses on integrating industries within value chains, improving competitiveness and leveraging advanced technology to boost productivity.

The exhibition places a spotlight on sectors such as automotive manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining equipment production and renewable energy, all of which are key drivers of industrial growth.

These highlighted sectors are pivotal for Zimbabwe’s ambitions for growth as they represent key pathways to industrialisation and economic diversification.

A thriving automotive manufacturing sector fosters local value addition and job creation, reducing import reliance.

Food processing enhances agricultural output, boosts export potential, and improves food security.

A robust pharmaceutical industry strengthens healthcare and reduces foreign currency expenditure on medication.

Local production of mining equipment supports the crucial mining sector while developing domestic manufacturing capacity.

Finally, the focus on renewable energy promotes sustainable development, attracts green investment, and ensures long-term energy security, all contributing to a more resilient and higher-income economy.

This record-breaking surge in interest from both new and returning exhibitors, local and international alike, with an impressive 596 confirmations including 112 first-time participants, solidifies Zimbabwe’s status as a leading trade and investment destination and reflects renewed confidence in the ZITF brand and optimism about the nation’s trade prospects.
The overwhelming demand, which has necessitated the creation of additional exhibition space beyond the traditionally available areas, underscores the immense potential of this trade showcase.

ZITF Company board chairperson, Mr Busisa Moyo, described the 2025 edition as one of the most promising in the event’s 65-year history.
He noted the unprecedented international interest, with 28 countries confirmed to participate an increase from last year’s 27 and a total of 45 direct international exhibitors expected.

Confirmed participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU Delegation, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Zambia.

“We are curating various platforms to spotlight different sectors within our economy, facilitating re-engagement with foreign suppliers in these areas, and showcasing products with the potential to satisfy diverse regional and global markets.

“As such, we stand at the forefront and apex of economic diplomacy and re-engagement.
ZITF’s role is to facilitate, catalyze, and spur on economic actors to increase output, add value, and develop mechanisms for scale by providing essential platforms for interaction.

“This year, our choice of ‘industrialisation’ as the theme foregrounds the manufacturing and value addition sectors and their interconnected ecosystems with agriculture, mining, and other service sectors, demonstrating our active efforts to attract and engage sectors identified as key drivers for the growth of the economy , such as manufacturing, technology, and value-added processing.

“In subsequent years, we will strategically focus on other sectors, clusters, and ecosystems as we identify needs and as opportunities evolve on our path towards a middle-income economy,” said Mr Moyo.

This initiative will begin with a shopping mall and exhibition halls designed to attract and host high-calibre and high-impact trade and investment exhibitions, conferences, and other Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) programmes in the country and the region.

He positions ZITF as a primary platform for economic diplomacy and re-engagement, actively spotlighting key economic sectors and facilitating vital connections with international partners and suppliers.

“Furthermore, ZITF facilitates international partnerships, paving the way for global market integration and economic growth. The fair also encourages knowledge transfer, cooperative developments in technology, and homegrown creativity, positioning Zimbabwean industries at the forefront of regional competitiveness.”
An important part of the equation is industrialisation and value addition, these will catalysts in transforming Zimbabwe into a manufacturing hub.

Furthermore, there is high importance of technology and innovation, fostering a knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurship and innovation as well as infrastructure development, which involves modernising transportation networks, energy, and information technology to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activities.
ZITF could also help boost the economy by providing more platforms for entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with investors, customers, and partners, thereby stimulating job creation and economic growth. This could be achieved through targeted initiatives, such as startup showcases, mentorship programmes, and networking events.

As a premier multi-sectoral exhibition, ZITF attracts a diverse array of local and international businesses, government officials, diplomats, and investors.

This congregation provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, forging partnerships, and exploring potential collaborations that can drive economic growth and diversification.

Attending the ZITF event could open new doors for you by connecting you with the right people.

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