ZITF 2025: Forging Industrial Synergies for a Connected Economic Future
By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo
The 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is set to take place from 21 to 26 April 2025 in Bulawayo, under the theme: “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”This milestone event promises to be a pivotal platform for advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda and fostering regional economic integration.
Jimayi Muduvuri, a prominent business leader, emphasized the strategic importance of this year’s ZITF, stating, “The 65th ZITF must be seen as an opportunity for integration as we move towards Vision 2030. It’s not just about trading products — it’s about aligning our industries, building partnerships, and forging a future of shared growth.”
The fair will be officially opened by Mozambican President, His Excellency Daniel Chapo, highlighting the regional commitment to economic collaboration.
A Strategic Platform for Industrial Growth
Over the decades, ZITF has evolved from a local trade exhibition to a *strategic platform for investment, innovation, and economic dialogue*. The 2025 edition is poised to offer numerous advantages for various economic players:
Business Linkages:ZITF provides a high-impact space for companies to connect with partners, clients, and suppliers across multiple sectors.
Investor Opportunities: For investors and commodity brokers, the fair opens doors to high-potential ventures in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and ICT.
Technology Transfer:Exhibitors showcase cutting-edge solutions, helping industries modernize and become more competitive.
Regional Trade Access: With strong representation from SADC and beyond, companies can explore regional expansion and joint ventures.
*Mr. Busisa Moyo*, ZITF Chairman, highlighted the fair’s role in positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive hub for trade and investment:
> “ZITF continues to play a pivotal role in driving industrial growth, fostering business connections, and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive hub for trade and investment.”
Building an Integrated Economic Landscape
The focus on an “integrated economic landscape” comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe’s economy. Integration, in this context, refers to aligning industries, markets, infrastructure, and policies to create a seamless economic system that fosters innovation, productivity, and inclusivity.
Muduvuri emphasized the importance of *synergies*— linking small enterprises with large corporations, connecting rural production to urban markets, and building partnerships across borders.
> “We need to think in systems — not silos. The future of our economy lies in how well we work together, how efficiently we connect our efforts, and how boldly we industrialize,” he said.
Towards Vision 2030
As Zimbabwe aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030, platforms like ZITF play a vital role. They enable *policy discussion, public-private collaboration*, and a shared sense of economic purpose. ZITF 2025 is more than an exhibition — it’s a *catalyst for transformation*
With growing participation and renewed investor interest, this year’s event signals Zimbabwe’s readiness to take bold steps toward a ‘more integrated, industrialized, and competitive economy’.
