Zimbabwe's furniture industry is set to take centre stage with the inaugural Zimbabwe Furniture Conference and Expo (ZFCX) 2026, in September, an initiative aimed at unlocking investment, promoting innovation and strengthening the country's manufacturing sector.
Organised by the Furniture Industry Development Initiative of Zimbabwe (FIDI Zim), the conference will provide a national platform for manufacturers, designers, suppliers, investors, policymakers and development partners to chart a new course for the country's furniture value chain.
Speaking ahead of the event, FIDI Zim CEO Jacob Esau said the conference comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe seeks to revitalise its manufacturing sector and maximise value from its abundant timber resources.
"The Zimbabwe Furniture Conference and Expo is more than just an exhibition,” Esau said.
“It is a strategic platform designed to bring together everyone in the furniture value chain to share ideas, forge partnerships, attract investment and position Zimbabwe's furniture industry for sustainable growth.”
He noted that while Zimbabwe has abundant raw materials, skilled artisans and growing manufacturing capacity, the sector continues to face challenges including fragmented industry coordination, technology gaps, increasing imports and limited export competitiveness.
“We believe collaboration is the key to unlocking the sector's full potential,” he said.
“Through this conference, we want to stimulate innovation, promote local manufacturing, encourage value addition and create new market opportunities for Zimbabwean furniture products both locally and internationally.”
More than 500 participants are expected to attend the conference, including furniture manufacturers, timber producers and processors, hardware suppliers, interior designers, architects, retailers, property developers, investors, financial institutions, government ministries, development partners, training institutions, SMEs and consumers.
The conference will focus on promoting Zimbabwe's furniture industry, encouraging investment, strengthening collaboration across the value chain, facilitating business-to-business networking, supporting export readiness and improving international market penetration.
Discussions will centre on sustainable industry development, innovation and technology, digital transformation, value addition and beneficiation, quality standards, export development and investment opportunities.
The accompanying expo will showcase furniture products, timber and wood products, machinery and equipment, interior décor solutions, hardware and fittings, manufacturing technologies, design innovations and business support services.
Esau said organisers expect the conference to generate tangible outcomes for the industry.
“Our vision is to see Zimbabwe become a regional furniture manufacturing hub,” he said.
“We expect this conference to strengthen industry collaboration, increase the visibility of local products, generate investment and business opportunities, and support the growth of a globally competitive furniture industry.”
The event also offers a range of sponsorship and partnership opportunities, including title, platinum, gold and silver sponsorship packages, exhibition space sponsorship and branding partnerships.
The conference, according to Esau, will bring together key stakeholders committed to building a competitive, sustainable and globally recognised furniture industry.
