The 2026 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair roared to life on Monday, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be one of the largest and most impactful showcases in recent years, as conferences and exhibitions commenced without delay.
By Dickson Bandera in Bulawayo
The opening day featured the Rural Industrialisation and Empowerment Indaba held in Hall 2, drawing over 350 delegates, including senior government officials, key stakeholders and development partners. The conference seeks to move beyond dialogue by linking policy frameworks to bankable projects aimed at integrating rural communities into industrial value chains.
Momentum continued into Tuesday with the Youth in Business Conference, part of a broader Youth in Business Festival designed to empower young entrepreneurs and integrate them into the mainstream economy. The same day will also host the ZITF Welcome Cocktail, expected to attract around 300 delegates. In parallel, an Investment Conference is taking place at the Holiday Inn Bulawayo, where development partners will share insights on unlocking investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
From the onset, the turnout signalled a promising week ahead, with visitors arriving in significant numbers on the opening day. This momentum is underpinned by strong pre-event indicators released on April 16 by Dr Busisa Moyo, who reported that exhibition space uptake had reached 97 percent capacity, translating to 49,810 square metres out of 51,170 square metres just days before the start of the event.
Dr Busisa Moyo further noted that a total of 485 direct exhibitors, including 100 leaseholders, had confirmed participation, while international representation spans 46 exhibitors from 29 countries. Business visitor registrations had also surged to 10,472, significantly higher than last year’s 8,142, reinforcing expectations of a record-breaking edition.
This year’s edition marks the landmark 60th international exhibition, with government accounting for 42 percent of exhibition space uptake, while the private sector contributes 58 percent, reflecting strong public-private collaboration.
Organisers have been widely commended for embracing modern systems, particularly the digitalisation of registration through the XPO263 mobile platform, which has significantly improved access, networking and navigation across the exhibition grounds.
The strategic placement of a registration office at the Bronte Hotel in Harare has further enhanced convenience, with over 100 organisations collecting access badges ahead of the event to ease congestion at entry points.
Under the stewardship of Dr Busisa Moyo and his team, ZITF has once again demonstrated its capacity to deliver a world-class platform. With strong participation, solid data backing its scale, and a comprehensive programme of high-level engagements, ZITF 2026 is firmly on course to deliver significant value across business, policy and society.
A high-level International Business Conference, expected to attract 800 delegates is set for Wednesday, alongside the ZITF Diplomats Forum targeting 300 participants from 54 embassies and international organisations, as well as the Innovators Forum with a capped attendance of 120 participants.
On Friday, Botswana President His Excellency Duma Boko is expected to officially open the trade fair, further elevating its regional and diplomatic significance. Last year’s edition was officially opened by William Ruto, underscoring the event’s growing international stature.
As the exhibition progresses, outstanding exhibitors will be recognised through awards, with competition expected to be intense given the notable improvement in stand designs and overall presentation standards.
In another key highlight, the British Embassy Harare is expected to launch a £500,000 fund aimed at combating violence against women and children, adding a strong social development dimension to the trade fair. The embassy team, led by Ambassador Pete Vowles, is also expected to engage with visitors and the media during the course of the exhibition.
The European Union is among key exhibitors, with several member states participating. EU ambassadors are expected to address the media during a joint press briefing outlining current and planned development initiatives in Zimbabwe.
The agriculture sector, which has recorded notable gains in tobacco, wheat, dairy and horticulture production, is also strongly represented at this year’s exhibition. Players from across the agricultural value chain including input suppliers, producers, processors and exporters are showcasing innovations aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening food security and expanding export markets.
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have also taken up significant exhibition space, reflecting their growing role in the economy. These enterprises, typically defined by smaller capital bases and workforce sizes, remain key drivers of employment, innovation and grassroots industrialisation. Their participation at the trade fair offers opportunities to access new markets, build partnerships and integrate into broader value chains.
Beyond the conference platforms, ZITF is already generating significant economic activity. The transport sector is experiencing increased demand as movement into and out of Bulawayo intensifies, while the hospitality industry has recorded high occupancy levels, with hotels, lodges and guest houses largely fully booked by both local and international visitors. Shuttle services from major hotels have been introduced to ease congestion and promote eco-friendly mobility.
Entertainment remains a central feature of the fair, with a diverse lineup including police displays, mass displays, poetry, music, gymnastics, as well as exhibitions by the army and prison services.
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