The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) will return in 2026 for its 66th edition, taking place from April 20 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City in Bulawayo. The fair, which has become Zimbabwe’s premier international trade showcase, will operate under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries” and is expected to provide a platform for business networking, investment promotion, market access, and engagement between local and international participants.
ZITF has long been a cornerstone of regional business engagement, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across Africa and beyond.
The 2025 edition of the fair saw 806 exhibitors, representing a six percent increase from 760 in 2024. Direct exhibitors accounted for 510, while indirect exhibitors were 296, compared to 472 and 288 respectively in the previous year. New exhibitor participation also grew significantly, rising from 195 in 2024 to 249 in 2025, a 27.7 percent increase, highlighting growing confidence in the trade fair as a business development platform.
Private sector participation strengthened during the 2025 edition, rising from 48 percent to 53 percent. International engagement also expanded, with 30 countries represented, up from 27 in 2024. The countries included Afghanistan, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Zambia.
This growth in country representation demonstrates ZITF’s increasing importance as a gateway for global trade in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region.Organizers of ZITF 2026 highlight the fair’s focus on providing participants with competitive insights, risk mitigation strategies, engagement opportunities, innovation exchange, trade visibility, and pathways to strategic partnerships. These objectives are captured under the “CREATE” framework, which underscores the fair’s emphasis on intelligence gathering, business connections, and the sharing of industry innovations.
The fair will host a wide range of sectors, reflecting the diversity of Zimbabwe’s economy. The agriculture sector will showcase value addition, products, and services, while the construction and infrastructure sector will highlight materials, technologies, and expertise relevant to development projects. Education and professional development will feature services and programs designed to support entrepreneurial growth and skill enhancement. Financial services and information and communication technologies (ICTs) will present investment solutions and digital innovations, while manufacturing and mining exhibitors will showcase industrial processes, machinery, and sector-specific services.
Additional sectors at ZITF 2026 include printing and packaging, publishing in both print and digital formats, renovation specialists, non-profit organizations, and tourism through meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). By integrating such a wide range of industries, the fair aims to facilitate cross-sector engagement and provide opportunities for companies to explore partnerships and expand market access.
ZITF has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for regional and international trade engagement. The growth in foreign country participation over the past year illustrates the fair’s appeal to businesses seeking to connect with markets in Southern Africa. By bringing together both domestic and international participants, the fair enables companies to benchmark their products and services, gain insights into market trends, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City provides a modern infrastructure to support the fair’s objectives. Its facilities allow for large-scale exhibitions, as well as specialized meetings between businesses and government agencies. Participants can leverage the venue to enhance brand visibility, conduct market research, and establish investment connections.
The venue’s capacity to host multiple sectors simultaneously aligns with ZITF’s goal of creating a comprehensive business engagement environment.ZITF 2026 will continue the fair’s tradition of providing actionable business insights. Exhibitors and visitors are expected to use the platform to assess competitor activity, explore emerging risks, and identify potential partners for collaboration. The fair offers an opportunity for companies to gain visibility in local and international markets while participating in discussions on sectoral innovations and global industry trends.
The expansion of ZITF in recent years highlights its significance for Zimbabwe’s economy and the broader Southern African region. The increase in both the number of exhibitors and participating countries indicates growing confidence in the fair as a reliable platform for trade, investment, and business development. Companies of all sizes, including startups and established enterprises, have used the event to showcase products, explore collaborations, and strengthen their market presence.
As the 2026 edition approaches, organizers expect participation across multiple sectors to provide diverse business opportunities. Agriculture, manufacturing, construction, ICT, financial services, tourism, publishing, and education are among the key areas that will feature prominently. The fair’s multi-sectoral approach ensures that participants can engage with relevant stakeholders, identify emerging trends, and build relationships that support sustainable business growth.
The fair’s 2026 theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” reflects a focus on regional integration and economic collaboration. By connecting businesses across sectors and countries, ZITF provides a platform for trade and industrial development that emphasizes competitiveness and innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge, evaluate industry standards, and explore potential partnerships that can drive business expansion.
ZITF has established itself as a critical event for both public and private sector entities in Zimbabwe and the region. Its role in facilitating business connections, promoting investment, and supporting market access remains central to its purpose. The fair provides a venue where businesses can exchange information, negotiate deals, and explore new opportunities in a competitive marketplace.
The upcoming 2026 edition is expected to continue these trends, bringing together domestic and international exhibitors, investors, and business leaders. With its combination of multi-sector participation, modern infrastructure, and strategic focus on connectivity and competitiveness, ZITF 2026 is positioned as a key event for companies seeking to strengthen their operations, access new markets, and engage with regional and international partners.
ZITF’s continued growth and international reach underline its importance as a platform for business engagement. By providing opportunities to connect, learn, and showcase innovation, the fair plays a central role in advancing Zimbabwe’s trade and industrial development objectives. Participants are expected to leverage the fair to gain market insights, identify collaboration opportunities, and enhance their visibility in regional and international markets.
