CONSTRUCTION of the “Smart City” at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition grounds will commence in April this year, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu has said.
The developer, ZITF Company, embarked on the project to transform the exhibition complex into a modern facility known as the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES).
ZICES will feature a brand-new international convention centre with a capacity of up to 5 000 delegates, a 500-room hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel, a contemporary retail complex and a themed park to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich heritage.
The initiative forms part of a long-term vision: establishment of the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC), a dynamic mixed-use development.
Updating the press on preparations for this year’s edition of ZITF in Bulawayo on Monday, Minister Ndhlovu said the construction of the shopping mall will commence by April 20.
“I am happy to highlight that this year, the actual work on the ground will begin with the construction of our smart city,” he said.
“So, by the time we get to ZITF, most likely the construction of the shopping mall will have started, and we hope that significant progress will be registered on this project and other projects that are aimed at the ZITF Smart City.”
The US$300 million project will revitalise and establish Bulawayo as a premier destination for business tourism, commerce, cultural immersion and leisure activities.
Meanwhile, preparations for ZITF 2026, scheduled to run from April 20-26, are underway
Running under the theme: “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, the event aligns with the dictates of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZINDP 2).
The initiatives prioritise regional integration and cross-border connectivity.
AfCFTA, NDS 2 and ZNIDP 2 are also seen as important foundations for building globally competitive industries capable of meeting international standards.
In his update, ZITF company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said strategic stakeholder alignment is underway.
“We have solidified key partnerships with Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and the National Economic Consultative Forum for the International Business Conference,” said Dr Ndebele.
“We are also collaborating with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce on the Connect Africa Symposium and we have, as I have already indicated, engaged the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training of Zimbabwe (Tino Machakare) and the Zimbabwe Youth Council to curate a high-impact youth day programme.
“For incentivised industrial growth to foster inclusive economic participation, we have implemented a 30 percent discount, which will be extended to business member organisations to promote the participation of new exhibitors and specifically target the onboarding of new exhibitors and the commercialisation of rural industries.”
For rural industries, Dr Ndebele said ZITF seeks to be as inclusive as possible.
Dr Ndebele said ZITF is actively enhancing the visitor experience through supplementary activities as it nears the completion of a new trampoline park.
“We have commenced critical infrastructure upgrades with the renovation of our iconic first park, which should be complete ahead of ZITF 2026,” said Dr Ndebele.
“We seek to reflect our premium brand standards. In terms of space updates and highlights, we continue to focus on our international footprint to expand, with confirmed delegations from Botswana, South Africa, China and the European union so far. And we expect more to come on board as we progress with our preparations.”
Participants are also expected from Tanzania, Eswatini, Kenya, and Zambia.
“So, while the US and British Embassies remain key partners in their sponsorship of a high-profile event, this momentum presents a prime opportunity to market our remaining premium space to other global players. So, we expect other participants from new exhibitors, particularly from Malaysia, this year,” Dr Ndebele said.-herald
