…as exhibitor numbers shoot
FAITH NDOU
Harare-Zimbabwe is gearing up for a bigger and more inclusive edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) with Cabinet confirming advanced preparations for the 66th edition scheduled for April 20 to 25 2026 at ZITF grounds in Bulawayo.
In the Zimbabwe Cabinet Ninth Post-Cabinet Press Briefing released on April 7 2026 following a meeting chaired by the President Mnangagwa, government highlighted significant progress in readiness for the country’s premier trade showcase.
“Cabinet received an update report by the Minister of Industry and Commerce regarding the state of preparedness for the upcoming 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which will run from 20 to 25 April, 2026,” reads part of the statement.
This year’s edition will run under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” reflecting a strong focus on regional integration and industrial competitiveness.
The fair is expected to be officially opened on April 23 by Duma Gideon Boko, the President of Botswana underscoring growing regional cooperation.
According to Cabinet, preparations have gathered momentum through extensive stakeholder engagements involving the private sector and diplomatic missions to ensure broader participation.
“Strategic discussions are also underway with air services such as Air Zimbabwe, Fast Jet and Ethiopian Airlines to facilitate increased flight frequency for seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period,” the briefing noted.
Participation has already surpassed last year’s figures with 520 exhibitors registered compared to 486 in 2025.
Of these, 72 are first-time participants, signalling increased interest in Zimbabwe’s trade platform.
Exhibition space uptake has reached 49 100 square metres representing 93 percent of available space.
International participation has also significantly improved with over 33 exhibitors from 16 countries confirmed, nearly doubling the 17 recorded in the previous year.
Cabinet further highlighted that the 2026 programme will feature a wide range of high level engagements and networking platforms including the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, Youth in Business Festival, ZITF Innovators Forum, Connect Africa Symposium, Diplomats Forum and a Charity Golf Challenge.
The annual trade fair remains a key platform for promoting investment, industrial growth and cross-border collaboration in line with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With preparations at an advanced stage and strong exhibitor interest, the 2026 ZITF is poised to reinforce Zimbabwe’s position as a regional trade hub.
