Botswana President Duma Boko is expected to officially open the 2026 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, marking continued regional participation at Zimbabwe’s premier trade and investment showcase.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda confirmed the development following a Cabinet briefing, noting that the annual exhibition will run from April 20 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, with the official opening scheduled for April 23.
Held under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” this year’s fair is expected to focus on strengthening regional trade integration, industrial competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Soda said the theme reflects growing continental ambitions aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes increased cross-border commerce and economic cooperation among African countries.
“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,” he said.
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Preparations for the trade fair have included extensive engagement with private sector players and diplomatic missions to boost participation and international visibility.
According to the minister, discussions are also ongoing with airlines such as Air Zimbabwe, fastjet Zimbabwe and Ethiopian Airlines to increase flight frequency during the exhibition period and ensure smooth travel for exhibitors and delegates.
Early registration figures indicate growing interest in the event. Cabinet noted that 520 exhibitors have already confirmed participation, exceeding the 486 companies that exhibited in 2025. Of these, 72 exhibitors will be participating for the first time.
“A total space of 49 100 square metres, representing 93 percent of available exhibition space, has already been booked,” Soda said.
International participation has also increased significantly, with 33 exhibitors from 16 countries confirming attendance — nearly double the 17 foreign participants recorded during last year’s edition.
The 2026 exhibition continues a pattern of high-level regional engagement, following official openings by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in 2025 and Kenyan President William Ruto in 2024.
ZITF remains Zimbabwe’s flagship trade platform, bringing together government, industry leaders and international partners to showcase investment opportunities, promote exports and strengthen regional economic cooperation.
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