ZITF: Epicentre for fortifying local and regional enterprise ecosystems
THE ZIMBABWE International Trade Fair stands at the epicentre of fortifying local and regional
enterprises’ ecosystems to be able to compete on the global stage and it is imperative for local
exhibitors to take full advantage of, ZITF company chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo said yesterday.
To that end, the only way to grow the Zimbabwean economy is to improve competitiveness of
locally produced products through improving the capacity and capacity utilisation of our various
real sectors.
The ZITF runs from April 25 to 29 under the theme “Transformative Innovation, Global
Competitiveness”.
In a media briefing on the state of preparedness for this year’s edition, Mr Moyo said the
international and multi-sectoral trade showcase will be both a meeting arena and a learning
platform for industry players to accelerate their growth and innovate with impact.
“This year’s theme “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness,” locates ZITF as the
epicentre for fortifying local and regional enterprise ecosystems to be able to compete on the global
stage,” said.
Elaborating on the theme, Mr Moyo said it resonates with the National Vision 2030 and the
National Development Strategy 1.
“The ZITF 2023 theme is particularly fitting because it touches on the core elements of our
National Vision 2030 and its current medium term plan NDS1, by highlighting that the only way to
grow the Zimbabwean economy is to improve the competitiveness of locally produced products
through improving the capacity and capacity utilisation of the manufacturing sector.
National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)
“Moreover, for that to happen, our businesses need to be innovative in terms of both their
industrial processes and their business models.”
He added that industrialisation is not just a Zimbabwe problem but also one that affects the whole
of the African continent and the Sadc region.
On the number of confirmed exhibition space taken to date, over 48 000 square metres, which
converts 97,2 percent of available exhibition space has been sold.
The figure compares favourably to the same period as last year where uptake was at 43 100 square
metres.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga
“In terms of exhibitor numbers, we are currently sitting at 533 direct exhibitors which is 27 percent
higher than last year’s closing total of 420 direct exhibitors and 13 percent higher than the booking
situation at the same time last year (471 direct exhibitors).
“This figure includes 108 new exhibitors, indicating an 80 percent retention rate on traditional
exhibiting organisations.”
Added to that, 25 direct exhibits from 21 foreign nations, representing both nation participation
and individual companies have confirmed participation.
“This compares favourably to the 2022 edition where 16 direct exhibitors from 13 countries took
part in the show. The countries represented are Angola, Belarus, Botswana, China, France,
Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa,
Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia.”
ZimTrade
However, locally, 65 of the confirmed exhibitors are from Harare while Bulawayo-based companies
accounted for 21 percent, added Mr Moyo.
In keeping with industry’s expectations for a platform that delivers constructive engagements,
useful insights and invaluable networking opportunities, Mr Moyo said the International Business
Conference hosted by ZITF in conjunction with the National Economic Consultative Forum which
is now a regular feature would be held.
The business conference will run under the main ZITF theme.
It will focus on evaluating Zimbabwe’s innovation standing in terms of regional and global
competitiveness, sharing insights on the innovation opportunities available as well as mapping the
way forward for a globally competitive Zimbabwe.
Over 600 delegates are expected to attend the conference to be headlined by Vice-President, Dr
Constantino Chiwenga.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).
Representatives from the European Union, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development,
Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, African Development Bank
(AfDB), Zimbabwe Development Agency (ZIDA), ZimTrade, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries
(CZI), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Scientific and Industrial Research and
Development Centre (SIRDC) are set to give presentations.
The second edition of the Connect Africa Symposium is expected to draw over 300 delegates from
across the region will run under theme “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Innovation, Competitiveness
and Sustainable Development.”
Mr Moyo said the ZITF Diplomat’s Forum organised in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade will run under the theme “Crafting a Global Landscape of
Resilience and Innovation: Strategies for International Competitiveness.”
The official opening ceremony will take place on Friday, April 28.-chronicle
