Source: President Boko to open Trade Fair – herald Mukudzei Chingwere Senior Reporter PRESIDENT Duma Boko of Botswana is scheduled to officially open this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said. Addressing yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Dr Soda said President Boko’s scheduled official opening underlined the […]
PRESIDENT Duma Boko of Botswana is scheduled to officially open this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
Addressing yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Dr Soda said President Boko’s scheduled official opening underlined the fair’s growing importance as a platform for regional investment and export promotion.
Since the advent of the Second Republic, organisers have sought to raise the profile of ZITF by inviting Heads of State to perform the official opening.
This year’s ZITF is slated for April 20 to 25 under the theme; “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” and President Boko will to officially open the fair on April 23.
The theme, said Minister Soda, places emphasis on bolstering regional trade, cross-border collaboration and resilient supply chains – priorities aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This year’s ZITF theme underscores the significance of regional trade, cross border collaboration and promotion of resilient supply chains in line with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said the Minister.
“The build-up to the 2026 ZITF includes ongoing comprehensive stakeholder engagements encompassing the private sector and local embassies to promote broader participation.
“Strategic discussions are also underway with air services such as Air Zimbabwe, fastjet, and Ethiopian Airlines, among others, to facilitate increased flight frequency for seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period,” said Minister Soda.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya (right) and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda (left) converse at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday. Following proceedings are Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Prof Amon Murwira (back row, right), Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prof Paul Mavima (far left), Information Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi (in red tie back row) and Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana (back row centre). – Picture: Charles Muchakagara
He said foreign participation has also grown markedly, with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 countries in the region and beyond having confirmed participation, compared with just 17 international participants last year.
Cabinet also noted the uptick as a sign of renewed confidence in Zimbabwe as a trade and investment destination.
“Cabinet noted that a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time,” said Minister Soda.
“A total space of 49 100m² representing 93 percent of the total available exhibition space has already been booked.
“Additionally, foreign participation is positive with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 different countries in the region and beyond confirmed, compared to the 17 recorded in 2025,” said Minister Soda.
He also outlined a packed programme of events aimed at fostering investment, innovation and regional cooperation.
“Highlights of the ZITF programme include various business and strategic engagements, the Rural Industrialisation Indaba,” said Minister Soda.
“The Youth in Business Festival, the Welcome Cocktail, the ZITF Innovators Forum; the Connect Africa Symposium, the Diplomats Forum, and a Charity Golf Challenge, among many others.”
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo officially opened last year’s edition, while the previous year, Kenyan President William Ruto was the guest.
