By 
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo will officially open the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo from April 21 to 26. This year’s event has attracted significant interest, with 596 direct exhibitors registered, a notable increase from 428 in 202 and 29 countries will be exhibiting at the event, showcasing a wide range of products and services.
The 2025 ZITF has also seen a significant increase in international participation, with 29 countries registered to exhibit, up from 27 in 2024. The participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union delegation, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Zambia.
The exhibition space uptake has reached 95%, with 98 first-time participants among the exhibitors. This year’s event has also been extended from five to six days to accommodate a growing program and increased participation. The theme of the 2025 ZITF is “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape,” and the event aims to promote the private sector’s involvement in shaping the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Several flagship events will take place during the fair, including the International Business Conference, Connect Africa Symposium, and the return of the CBZ Original Equipment Manufacturers exhibition. A new feature this year is the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, which aims to spotlight opportunities in developing rural-based industrial hubs.
To ease travel logistics for exhibitors and visitors, Air Zimbabwe and fastjet have increased flight frequencies during the exhibition week. The government has also been working to promote private sector involvement in shaping Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce conducting strategic dialogues with national business member organisations and industry associations.
In addition to the ZITF, the government has also made progress with the Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme, which was relaunched in May last year. So far, 1,077 students from the first two cohorts have completed their six-month training and are being considered for employment in State-funded higher and tertiary institutions. Other graduates are already enrolling for further skills upgrading at various vocational training centres, and the government has made it mandatory that vocational certificates be prioritised for accessing empowerment loans through Empower Bank.
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