Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto is set to inaugurate the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo next week, as confirmed by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Taking place from April 23 to 27, the premier trade fair will see President Ruto officially open the event on Friday, April 26. With the fair just around the corner, preparations are in full swing, with significant improvements being made to the essential infrastructure.
The upcoming ZITF, themed “Innovation: The catalyst for industrialization and trade,” will be spearheaded by the private sector. A total of 576 exhibitors have already registered, including 65 first-time participants, occupying over 97 percent of the available exhibition space.
Minister Ndlovu revealed that the fair will host international participants from 27 countries, such as the United States, China, Germany, Belarus, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
In addition to the trade fair, Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga will kick off the ZITF Welcome Cocktail and the ZITF International Business Conference on April 24. The event lineup also includes the ZITF Charity Golf Challenge, the ZITF Diplomats Forum, and the Connect Africa Symposium, offering a diverse range of activities in Bulawayo.
The Diplomats Forum will delve into economic partnerships through entrepreneurship, while the Connect Africa Symposium, to be opened by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, will focus on sustainable entrepreneurial strategies across the continent.
Wrapping up the ZITF schedule is the ZNCC Business Lunch on April 26, followed by public exhibition days on April 26 and 27.
With a mix of international participants, engaging events, and a focus on innovation, the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience for all involved.