In the past decade, Zimbabwe’s academia has demonstrated strong potential and made significant contributions to various sectors of the economy. This progress is anchored in the Heritage-Based Curriculum at primary and secondary levels, as well as the Education 5.0 model. Beyond academic conferences, there has been a growing call for meaningful engagement between scholars and captains of industry.
After a hiatus of more than a decade, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company is set to host a stand-alone edition of the Scholastica Expo in 2025.
The event is targeting 4500 participants, bringing together students, educators and captains of industry. Delegates and exhibitors are expected from across the country and from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.
ZITF CEO, Dr Nicholas Ndebele announced that the ZITF Company decided to relaunch Scholastica as a stand alone expo in a bold step toward ensuring the expo grows its impact and meets the needs of its stakeholders.
“The decision to host Scholastica in July as an independent event stems directly from crucial conversations held during past ZITF editions, where the consistent theme was the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, and separating Scholastica from the main ZITF this year will give it greater prominence and allow deeper engagement with issues such as heritage-based education, indigenous knowledge systems, and career development,” said Ndebele.
In previous editions of the international trade fair, students showcased new inventions and skills essential for supporting the growth of local industry. However, the large number of exhibitions and engagements during the event often limited opportunities for students and educators to deliver a truly immersive, interactive, and transformative experience for attendees.
Speaking on the significance of this relaunch, Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, The ZITF Company Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager said the move signals the company commitment to advancing education and career development opportunities.
“With our ambitious target of 4,500 participants we aim to create an unparalleled platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation.”
With the expo poised to feature high-impact workshops, together with exhibitions, Nkomo said this will enable participants to explore emerging trends, engage with thought leaders, and connect with career-shaping opportunities.
“We want Scholastica Expo to be the go-to event for students, professionals, development agencies, businesses, recruiters and everyone with an interest in the education sector so as to bridge the gap between industry and academia and facilitate the production of a future ready and relevant workforce for the country,” said Nkomo.
Scholastica Expo 2025 will be held from 30 July to 1 August at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo under the theme “Empowering Future Generations through Heritage-Based Education and Innovation”
The Expo is an opportunity to foster vital connections between educational institutions and prospective employers, nurturing a workforce equipped to drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
With career coaching no longer as popular in Zimbabwe as it once was, organisers say the event will feature a centralised Career Fair designed to serve as a single, cost-effective hub for streamlined recruitment, networking, and exposure for students exploring post-secondary opportunities.
“We invite students, educators, professionals, and industry stakeholders to be part of this historic moment, where education meets innovation, and opportunities take flight,” said Nkomo.
