The sixth edition of the Beitbridge Business Expo is set to roar into action early next month with business expected to increase by 10%.
Beitbridge Business Expo chairperson Annah Muleya told Southern Eye Business that the event, which has become an important platform for promoting local enterprise, investment and community-based economic development in the border town will run from July 2 to 4.
“The expo brings together small and medium enterprise, established companies, young entrepreneurs, service providers, public institutions and potential investors to showcase products, exchange ideas and create business linkages,” Muleya said.
“ One of its major highlights is that it supports Beitbridge’s vision of becoming a vibrant commercial hub and a 24-hour economy, taking advantage of the town’s strategic position as Zimbabwe’s main gateway to South Africa and the wider region.”
She highlighted that recent editions have also shown growing participation from businesses and stakeholders, with discussions around formalisation, market access, technology adoption and regional trade.
“Last year we had 156 companies and we are hoping for a 10% increase on that,” Muleya said
She added that another key highlight is the planned development of a permanent showground, which is expected to allow the expo to grow beyond a once-off annual event and become a year-round centre for exhibitions, agricultural shows, investor forums and community activities.
“There have been several successes in improving the ease of doing business in Beitbridge,” Muleya said.
“The modernisation of the border post, growth in freight and logistics services, infrastructure development and stronger collaboration between business, local authorities and government stakeholders have created more opportunities for entrepreneurs.”
She indicated that the business expo itself was one example of progress, as it gives local businesses visibility, encourages formalisation and helps connect enterprises with markets and investors.
“The town’s push towards city status and central business district expansion also point to a more organised and investment-ready environment,” Muleya said.
“However, challenges remain. Businesses continue to face high operating costs, limited affordable finance, regulatory and licensing requirements, competition from informal trade and the effect of global price shocks on fuel.”
She noted that addressing these challenges will require continued investment in infrastructure, simplified procedures, access to finance for SMEs, stronger digital systems and consistent engagement between authorities and the business community.
She mentioned that they usually host health care and hospitality organisations from South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Beitbridge Business Expo is aimed at boosting local economic growth, showcase regional enterprise, and feature exhibitions from key organisations such as Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Musina Municipality.
However, another business analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity said the country is facing both legal and political risks hence businesses are put to a stop.
“There is cashflow challenge, businesses are struggling due to both legal and political risks caused by Constitutional Ammendment Bill Number 3, investors have adopted a wait and see attitude,” the analyst said.
The analyst source added that the global fuel crises due to the strait of Hormuz blockage has caused inflationary economies worldwide prompting other countries to find ways of stimulating their economies.
“There is need to be smart enough to do ease of doing business, the government must stimulate the economy and grow businesses,” he said.