BULAWAYO, Apr. 17 (NewsDay Live) – Preparations for the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are nearing completion, with organisers reporting a 97% readiness level amid strong exhibitor uptake and rising business interest.
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company board chairman Busisa Moyo said the event has entered its final execution phase, with focus now on coordination, quality assurance and delivery.
“We are pleased to report that preparations are on track, with all critical operational, commercial and infrastructure workstreams firmly in place,” Moyo told journalists.
Exhibition space uptake has reached 97%, with 49,810 square metres booked out of 51,170 square metres available, reflecting robust demand from both local and international participants.
“This strong uptake reflects a high level of confidence in this year’s edition of the Trade Fair,” Moyo said.
Business visitor registrations have also risen sharply to 10,472, up from 8,142 recorded during the same period last year, signalling increased engagement from the corporate sector.
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The exhibitor mix remains broad-based, with government accounting for 42% of allocated space and the private sector taking up 58%. Permanent exhibition halls are nearly fully subscribed, with organisers adding a purpose-built marquee to accommodate overflow demand.
“This is a clear indicator of sustained market confidence in the ZITF platform,” Moyo said.
ZITF Company chief executive officer Nicholas Ndebele said the organisation is ready to deliver a high-quality event.
“We remain committed to delivering a world-class exhibition that meets the expectations of our stakeholders and partners,” he said.
A total of 485 direct exhibitors, including 100 leaseholders, have confirmed participation, while international interest remains firm, with 46 exhibitors from 29 countries registered.
Organisers said all major conferences and networking platforms are in place ahead of the showcase, including a curtain-raising 100-mile cycling event in partnership with the Flying Eagles Cycling Club.
Moyo said the Rural Industrialisation Conference would be a key highlight, shifting focus from policy dialogue to implementation.
“This is a flagship empowerment platform designed to transition communities from peripheral participants to equity holders in industrial value chains,” he said.
The annual ZITF, held in Bulawayo, is one of Zimbabwe’s premier trade and investment events, drawing exhibitors and delegates from across the region and beyond.