Foreign exhibitors keen to strike business deals at ZITF 2025

Foreign exhibitors keen to strike business deals at ZITF 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)
Judith Phiri, Business Writer

FOREIGN exhibitors at the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025 have expressed strong interest in forging business partnerships and expanding trade relations, as the annual event kicked off in Bulawayo on Monday.

Running under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,” this year’s fair continues to solidify its reputation as one of Africa’s premier trade showcases, attracting diverse international participation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Mr Hazmi Laksono from the Embassy of Indonesia said his country had brought five companies eager to penetrate the Zimbabwean market.

“We are here to promote trade between Indonesia and Zimbabwe. Our companies are in herbal medicine, tyre production, bath soaps, bio-fertilisers and more. We are looking for trade partners and potential markets for our products,” he said, adding that both countries, as developing nations, have untapped opportunities to explore together.

Kenya’s Head of Chancery, Ms Justine Ikumiru, said her delegation was enthusiastic about building connections across key sectors.

“We are very excited to come to ZITF 2025. It provides us a platform to meet the right people, both from the Government and the private sector, people who are interested in doing business with us. This is one of the platforms to connect Kenya and Zimbabwe,” she said.

From Uganda, Mr Simon Ngabo of the Uganda Investment Authority highlighted the importance of business networking at the fair.

“We are also looking forward to interacting with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) we expect this to benefit both countries,” said Mr Ngabo.

Mr Mashudu Ramudzuli from South Africa’s Limpopo Tourism Agency described ZITF as an excellent opportunity to showcase cross-border tourism potential.

“South Africa and Zimbabwe share borders, and we are divided by the Limpopo River. The river divides three countries which share tourism attractions where people can go. We are looking forward to networking and engaging to see how best we can collaborate to promote tourism in South Africa and Zimbabwe,” he said.

From Belarus, Ms Mitaslava Kyrshchanovich of the Belarussian State University expressed enthusiasm for educational partnerships.

“We are open to establishing student exchange programmes and offering scholarships to Zimbabwean students. Education is a powerful channel for bilateral cooperation, and we are eager to strike meaningful deals at ZITF 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) announced its return to the ZITF for the third consecutive year with renewed energy and focus.

In a statement, the EU highlighted its intention to boost private-sector partnerships under the Global Gateway strategy and revealed plans to host the first-ever EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Harare from 20 to 22 May.

“The EU is back at the ZITF in Bulawayo for the third consecutive year— with its now-flagship pavilion, one of the largest international stands. Following two consecutive wins for Best and Most Outstanding Foreign Display, the EU returns this year showcasing a strengthened focus on private-sector partnerships and sustainable investment under the Global Gateway strategy,” read part of the statement.

Building on the success of 2024, this year’s EU Pavilion will feature an expanded #TeamEurope presence, with contributions from several EU Member States, including France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Romania, Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium representing European member states, European businesses and implementing partners. The EU stand will also host various #TeamEurope projects underway in Zimbabwe.

The annual premier trade showcase which ends on Saturday saw an impressive 596 exhibitors participating this year with 45 direct international exhibitors from 28 countries represented, an encouraging rise from last year’s 27.

This year, confirmed participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the UK, USA, UAE, Zambia, and the EU Delegation.

The presence of such an array of international exhibitors opens new doors for SMEs, who benefit from exposure, partnerships, and access to global value chains. The fair also spurs job creation, with dozens of young people seen outside the exhibition park yesterday seeking employment opportunities.-chroncil