The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) will headline its participation at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) this week with the launch of the Zida Value Connect Lounge, a purpose-built platform designed to transform investor engagement into tangible investment outcomes.
The Value Connect Lounge represents a strategic shift towards structured investment facilitation.
The initiative is expected to serve as a dedicated platform for matchmaking investors with bankable projects, strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment promotion efforts and converting interest generated at ZITF into concrete deals and partnerships.
This year’s 66th edition of ZITF runs from April 20 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo under the theme, Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.
“Moving beyond the traditional exhibition model, the Value Connect Lounge represents a strategic shift towards structured investment facilitation, positioning Zida as an active dealmaker and connector between investors, project promoters and key stakeholders,” the agency said in a statement.
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Zida said the lounge will serve as a high-level, private and professional environment tailored for serious investment discussions, supporting the full investment lifecycle — from initial engagement to partnership formation.
At its core, the lounge will function as an investment match-making hub, with several objectives, including facilitating direct engagement between investors and vetted project promoters, screening and presenting bankable, investment-ready opportunities, curating business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, and enabling real-time negotiations and transaction discussions.
“The lounge will provide investors with direct access to a curated pipeline of opportunities across priority sectors, including energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and services,” Zida said.
“Key highlights will include investment-ready projects from the Zida investment prospectus, strategic initiatives such as the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing Framework (BKPO), and insights into Zimbabwe’s evolving investment landscape, policy environment and reform trajectory.”
Zida’s participation at ZITF 2026 will also be reinforced through engagement in high-level platforms.
“The chief investment promotion officer will deliver remarks at the Innovators Forum, providing strategic insights into Zimbabwe’s investment opportunities and sector priorities,” Zida said.
“At the Diplomats Forum, Zida will further showcase key initiatives, including BKPO, while strengthening economic diplomacy and engagement with foreign missions and development partners.”
Zida also noted that its chief executive officer, Tafadzwa Chinamo, will participate in high-level engagements.
“The chief executive officer will take part in discussions focused on unpacking investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, with particular emphasis on opportunities for SMEs, youth and rural economies, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and broad-based economic participation,” the agency said.
“The CEO will also headline the Zimbabwe–Botswana Business Forum, reinforcing bilateral investment cooperation, promoting cross-border partnerships and advancing regional value chain integration.
