THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) will use this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to launch a deal-making platform — the ZIDA Value Connect Lounge — aimed at converting investor interest into concrete transactions.
The platform is a purpose-built facility designed to move beyond traditional exhibitions and facilitate structured investment engagements.
ZIDA said the initiative marks a strategic shift towards active deal facilitation, positioning the agency as a connector between investors, project promoters and key stakeholders.
“The ZIDA Value Connect 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,” the agency said in a statement on Monday.
The lounge will function as an investment matchmaking hub, enabling direct interaction between investors and vetted project promoters.
It will also support the screening and presentation of bankable opportunities, alongside curated business-to-business and business-to-government meetings.
ZIDA said the platform would also allow for real-time facilitation of 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,” the agency said.
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Projects drawn from the ZIDA Investment Prospectus will be showcased, alongside strategic initiatives such as the Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BKPO) Framework.
ZIDA said the BKPO initiative would be a key feature of its participation, with targeted presentations within the lounge and at high-level platforms such as the Diplomats Forum.
“The initiative positions Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for digital services and global outsourcing, with strong potential to drive job creation, ICT infrastructure development, service exports, and urban economic growth,” it said.
The agency will also use the platform to outline developments in Zimbabwe’s investment landscape, including policy reforms and regulatory changes aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
This year’s ZITF runs under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries” and is being held in Bulawayo from April 20 to 25.
Botswana President Duma Boko is expected to officially open the fair on Thursday.
