By Staff Writer
Mozambique's President, His Excellency Cde Daniel Chapo added an increased flair to this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair as he also encouraged the two countries to improve Trade relations.
The 65th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was officially opened by Cde. Daniel Francisco Chapo, who reminded both nations of the enduring power of unity and emphasized the profound historical and political connections dating back to the fight against colonialism.
In the Cabinet brief read yesterday, President Chapo urged the two nations to increase trade between them and leverage on their membership of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A total of 8 179 business visitors were registered, compared to the 7 934 that were recorded in 2024. The total number of exhibitors in 2025 reached 574, compared to the 517 recorded in 2024.
Private sector participation also showed a marked increase with 368 companies exhibiting in 2025, up from the 298 recorded in 2024. Thirty foreign nations attended the fair for the first time which is clear testimony that the Government’s Engagement and Re-Engagement Policy is continuing to yield results.
The inaugural Rural Industrialisation Indaba captioned “Inclusive Growth, Industrial Roots: Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Rural Potential” drew the participation of 378 delegates.
The key objective of the Indaba was to map strategies to transform rural communities into vibrant micro-medium industrial hubs, thereby fostering inclusive economic growth across Zimbabwe.
The Trade Fair also hosted side events such as the Zimbabwe-India Business Session that attracted new Indian investments into Zimbabwe currently estimated at US$600 million; the Research for Industrialisation Conference that featured models of innovation such as the Lupane State University’s goat production project and the Midlands State University’s Coal-to-Tar initiative; and the Diplomats Forum, among others.
Regarding economic impact assessment, a notable 6.3 percent of respondents indicated the successful conclusion of business agreements, signifying substantial economic engagements. Beyond the immediate monetary value of deals, the fair has also facilitated the forging of key agreements. An impressive 20 percent of respondents reported the signing of various agreements underscoring the platform’s role in fostering long term collaborations.