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Conferences/Meetings

Africa Business Conference replaced by new event

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The inaugural Africa Business Conference which was set for the 16th and the 17th of this month in South Africa has been replaced by a new event. The organisers of the event, African Business Inc (formerly Big Business Africa) announced this in a statement issued by its Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Lebohang Noruwana-Mkhize (pictured) on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the event has been replaced by a new meeting to reflect the organising entity’s recent transformation.

“As a result of our transformation, Africa Business Inc. invites you to mark your diary for the Africa Business Connex – Leadership Summit 2025 which shall be held in the last week of March. This conference replaces the Africa Business Conference 2024 that was initially advertised by Big Business Africa to (be) held on the 16th & 17th of October,” said Noruwana-Mkhize.

African Business Inc announced that the inaugural edition of the new event is set to be held this month with South African fashion designer, Sonwabile Ndamase as the guest and discussions centring on the fashion business.

“On Thursday, the 17th of October 2024, we are hosting His Royal Highness Prince Sonwabile Ndamase for our inaugural Africa Business Connex – Business Legends Conversation. The designer of the Madiba Shirt that was made for (the late) former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and which has since been worn by many presidents and leaders around the world, is a global icon in the fashion industry.

“He is recognised for advocating for the promotion of an African fashion aesthetic, unearthing outstanding design talent, and offering fashion business training to community groups. In our conversation with Sonwabile, we hope to inspire not only fashion entrepreneurs but all businesspersons who are building globally sustainable and impactful brands,” Noruwana-Mkhize said in the statement.

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Conferences/MeetingsExhibitions

Property sector counts down to inaugural Zimbabwe Property Expo

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The organisers of the inaugural Zimbabwe Property Expo have announced their readiness to host exhibitors, visitors, delegates and other property sector stakeholders to the event which is set to run on 4 and 5 October at the Celebration Centre in Harare.

The event, which has partnered with the Estate Agents Council (EAC), has lined up concurrent events that include a seminar and a consumer conference for the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors.

“The Expo, in partnership with the EAC, is packed with events, including the Investment Seminar on 4 October and the Property Consumer Conference on the 5th. Both sessions offer a unique platform for real estate enthusiasts, investors, and industry professionals to dive deep into the sector’s future. You’ll hear from leading voices such as the Harare City Council, the Deeds Office, ZIMRA, Zimbabwe/Harare Wetlands Trust, and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange,” the organisers said in a statement this week.

Some of the topics that the two platforms are expected to tackle include unlocking real estate investment trusts (REIT) returns, navigating property purchase policies, estate planning and property protection under the new Marriages Act, cluster housing policy and wetland preservation.

The show is set to include a kids’ zone, which will feature dedicated activities for their entertainment and safety while older children and adults visit exhibition stands, attend meetings and enjoy friendly competition in the games area.

Some of the games’ prizes include two residential stands, a two-night weekend getaway for two, interior design services and a vanity set courtesy of various sponsors of the event.

“We’ve lined up an exciting roster of exhibitors featuring top companies from Zimbabwe’s property, construction, and investment sectors. All these can be viewed on our event website (www.zimbabwepropertyexpo.co.zw). You’ll get the chance to explore the latest innovations and opportunities in real estate. Whether you’re looking for investment insights or just want to see what’s new, we’ve got it all,” the event’s coordinator, Sipho Matshazi (pictured) commented.

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Conferences/Meetings

MAZ Annual Marketers Convention set for next month

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) is set to hold its 15th Annual Marketers Convention next month. This was announced by the association in correspondence to its members this week.

The event is expected to be held from 23 to 26 October at the Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre in Victoria Falls.

The convention is set to be held under the theme: “Disrupt to redefine: The future of marketing excellence.”

According to the association, the meeting is expected to an assemblage different stakeholders in the marketing and media industries.

“This year’s convention promises to be an exceptional event, bringing together representatives from the marketing, communications, advertising, public relations, and media industries across Africa. With an expected attendance of over 200 delegates, the convention will provide a valuable platform for professional development, idea exchange, and networking opportunities,” read part of the correspondence.

 The annual meeting is expected to have regional speakers who will tackle the various challenges that the industry is grappling with.

“The convention will feature speakers from around the region, who will share their expertise and insights on the latest trends and challenges affecting the marketing industry. This is a unique opportunity for your organisation to be part of this influential gathering and to showcase your expertise and offerings to a diverse and engaged audience,” the association said.

Several sponsors such as Topline Research Solutions, Old Mutual, PPC, ZimGold, Premier Corporate Gifts, CBZ Holdings, Delta Corporation, the Nyaradzo Group, ZBC Bank and Image Magic Corporate (IMC), among others, have already partnered with MAZ for the event and sponsorship opportunities remain open.

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Other

Inaugural Food Festival a success: Chakabuda

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The inaugural Food Festival Zimbabwe held on 1 September 2024, at the First Capital Bank Sports Club in Mount Pleasant, Harare, was very successful. This was said by the organiser and event strategist at ZimEvents Creations, Farai Chakabuda in an engagement with Business Events this week.

The event was held under the theme: “The Ultimate Cultural Food Experience.”

 “The event was a ground-breaking success, attracting 35 vendors who showcased a diverse range of cultural food cuisines from around the world. From Japanese sushi to Thai cuisine, Zimbabwean traditional dishes, and English cuisine, attendees were treated to a culinary journey like no other.

“The festival drew over 400 attendees, who were all eager to sample the unique flavours and aromas on offer. The event’s success was a testament to the meticulous planning and execution that we invested in it,” Chakabuda said.

The event professional indicated that, although this was the inaugural edition of the event, given its resounding success, the Food Festival had established itself as a premier event on Zimbabwe’s culinary calendar, with food enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next edition.

The ZimEvents Creations boss highlighted that the objectives of the event included the promotion of various cuisines and culture as well as the provision of a platform for local chefs and food vendors to showcase their talents.

“The event seeks to bring together people from different backgrounds and age groups to celebrate the universal language of food. It is our modest contribution towards the growth of the local economy through tourism and job creation,” Chakabuda said.

Building on the momentum of the first edition, Chakabuda and her team are readying the next edition of the event dubbed the “Hot Summer Edition,” which is scheduled for October 26, 2024.

“This edition will focus on summer foods, refreshing beverages, and specialized eats, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for our attendees. They should expect a culinary journey through Zimbabwe’s diverse regions, with dishes and ingredients that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. The event will be a culinary adventure featuring international cuisine, fusion food, and innovative cooking techniques. Some of the major highlights of the forthcoming event include live music performances by local and regional artists as well as interactive cooking demonstrations and workshops,” Chakabuda explained.

The ZimEvents Creations event strategist and designer said the forthcoming event will have a marketplace featuring local food vendors, artisanal producers, and handmade crafts. This time around, there will be a fun-filled kids’ zone with face painting, bounce houses, and more. VIP attendees will be catered for through the provision of a lounge with exclusive food and drink options, and meet-and-greets with celebrity chefs.

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Exhibitions

ZINARA’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024 success

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

Success in using exhibitions to achieve brand and corporate objectives depends on the amount of planning put into the preparations for the event. This means setting objectives and specific targets. It entails coming up with an exhibition strategy and assessment criteria and methods of evaluating the exhibition participation effort.

The following paragraphs were posted by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) on its LinkedIn page following its participation in the 2024 edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), which ran from 26 to 31 August 2024.

Our Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024 success!

The ZAS 2024 was a resounding triumph! Our team’s dedication and strategic planning paid off as we achieved remarkable results.

Key highlights

Strategic media campaign: We executed a comprehensive media strategy that included interviews, radio crossovers, infomercials and informative articles across six media houses, with a total 16 programmes reaching over 2.1 million people.

Successful partnerships: Our collaboration with CBZ Holdings Limited, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Zimnat and Tyre Club Zimbabwe yielded incredible results, with a 25 percent discount on licensing terms and free tyre fitment service benefiting close to 3,000 customers.

Licensing volume and revenue growth: We achieved a resounding 63 percent increase in licensing traffic against the same occasion the prior year! This jump in volumes translated to a healthy spike in revenues, a notable return on investment.

Social media success: Our targeted social media campaigns, including “Like Our Socials” and “Spin and Win,” boosted our following by an average of 18 percent across all platforms. The engagement rate shot up 87 percent while total reach went up 112 percent on a week-on-week comparison.

Product and service education: Our ZINARA-themed edutainment initiative successfully reached school children and the youth, promoting responsible citizenship and awareness about our products and services.

Operational excellence: The promotions, tariff structure and enhanced stakeholder engagement contributed to a 363 percent increase in revenue compared to the same event previous year.

Stakeholder engagement: During the course of our activities, we dedicated time to visit our stakeholders. We met with 15 road authorities and engaged in dynamic dialogue concerning the efficient allocation of funds for the purpose of enhancing road maintenance.

We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated team, valued partners and supportive stakeholders for their contributions to this success. Let’s continue to build upon our achievements and strive for even greater accomplishments in the future!

  • The post on which this article is based was published with the kind permission of ZINARA.

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Conferences/MeetingsExhibitors

AfriConfex 2024 set for November

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The second edition of the Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Confex (AfriConfex) is set to be held from 6 to 8 November. This was announced by the organisers of the event, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company on its website last week.  

 With a focus on economic development through construction and infrastructure, the event is set to be held under the theme: “Resilient Cities, Thriving Africa: Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Growth.”

The exhibition and conference (confex) is expected to be Zimbabwe’s biggest gathering of buyers and sellers for the entire built environment value chain.

“The confex provides the platform for distinctive opportunities for knowledge exchange, business expansion, networking, and learning. Additionally, as indigenous contractors seek to venture into regional and international markets, AfriConfex provides dynamic, hands-on experiences to stay ahead of trends, opportunities, and risks such as technological trends, international labour markets, and new legal backgrounds and regulations,” the company highlighted.

The ZITF Company explained the relevance of this year’s theme to the continent’s infrastructural needs.

“The theme highlights the critical need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure in African cities to promote economic development. With the African population projected to double by 2050, there is an urgent need to invest in infrastructure projects that can support sustainable economic growth for African countries,” the organisers said.

The Company highlighted the event’s role in Africa’s push for infrastructural development.

“By bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on key trends and critical insights into African construction and infrastructure value chains, along with key drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities, AfriConfex plays a pivotal indirect role in attaining these continental aspirations. The 2024 edition will feature an exciting exhibition and immersive conference programme,” it said.

The ZITF Company introduced the event in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development in 2022. The second edition of the confex could not be held last year owing to the effect of the election campaign programmes on the Company’s events calendar.

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Exhibitions

BIE Secretary General visits Japan to discuss Expo progress

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Secretary General, Dimitri Kerkentzes visited Tokyo, Japan at the end of last month to review the preparations for World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai and Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama.

As construction on the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai site advances at full speed and following the beginning of the transfer of organiser-built pavilions to participants last month, the working visit was an opportunity for the Secretary General to discuss the World Expo’s progress and technical steps with the organiser and government ministers.

The Secretary General met with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito and the Expo Minister, Hanako Jimi. Meetings were also held with the Commissioner-General of the Expo, Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Secretary General of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Hiroyuki Ishige. These discussions focused on preparations and initiatives, including progress on pavilions, logistical arrangements, communications and ticket sales, educational outreach, and sustainable practices.

The working visit also provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to take part in the presentation of Italy’s pavilion at Expo 2025, “The Ideal City”, as part of the Italian village set up in Tokyo on the world tour stop of the historic sailing ship, Nave Amerigo Vespucci. Italy was the first country to start building its pavilion, having taken possession of its plot on the Expo site on Yumeshima on 19 December 2023.

Italy’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai was presented on the occasion of the world tour stop in Tokyo of the historic sailing ship, Nave Amerigo Vespucci

 Kerkentzes, stated: “Remarkable progress has been made in the past months. Thanks to the resolute commitment of the organiser and all participants, ideas and concepts are coming to life on and off the Expo site, as demonstrated by Italy’s beautiful presentation today in Tokyo. Acting together in synergy, Japan and the international community are set to deliver a truly extraordinary Expo that will showcase our collaborative spirit and dedication to a better future for all.”

World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will take place on a 155-ha site on Yumeshima Island between 13 April and 13 October 2025. The Expo will address the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with its three sub-themes being Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives.

During the visit, Kerkentzes also discussed the progress on the organisation of the next Horticultural Expo, Expo 2027 Yokohama, which is also taking place in Japan. Meetings were held with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tetsushi Sakamoto and the Secretary General of the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Masato Komura. The Secretary General of the BIE was also received by the Mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, and visited the Expo site, located at the Former Kamiseya Communications Facility.

Horticultural Expo 2027 Yokohama is being held under the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness” and will take place between 19 March and 26 September 2027.

  • This article was first published by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on 30 August 2024.
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ExhibitorsVisitors

Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024: A businessman’s reflections

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is a perfect platform for making new contacts and business development, but beyond new relationships, it’s an awesome opportunity to water and nurture existing relationships.

It’s always a beautiful moment seeing friends and last Friday I really had a great time at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Notably, I met my friend Patience Tsikira Chikombero. She is the General Manager at Adam Bede Holdings. I went to university with Patience and I have known her for 11 years now.

I also had a sit down with (Zimplats Corporate Communications Manager) Roberta Katunga. I have known her for seven years.  She is literally my big sister for all the counsel, advice and friendship we have had over the years.

I sat with Netsai Lindiwe Sabau. She is the Marketing and Business Development Manager at Glenrise Investments. Besides, Yarutso Car Rental being a supplier at Glenrise Investments, Netsai has also become a good friend of mine.

I also had a chat with my brother, Mr Digital, Tarirai Nunurai. Tari is spearheading one of the most important programmes in Zimbabwe right now, acquainting business leaders with information on the importance of online capabilities like AI and Digital Marketing.

It was also a pleasure chatting and laughing with my sister, Rumbidzai Takawira, who’s leading a powerful communications company focusing on wildlife conservation.

  • Tawanda Victor Madzedze is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yarutso Adventure and Yarutso Car Rental. He can be contacted on: victormadzedze@yahoo.com.
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Exhibitions

Zimbabwe Property Expo postponed to October

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The new property exhibition, the Zimbabwe Property Expo, which was initially set to be held at the Celebration Centre in Harare on 9 and 10 August this year, has been moved to 4 and 5 October.

The organiser of the event, Africa Exhibition Group (Pvt) Ltd has announced the changes in a media statement, citing the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit hosted by Zimbabwe this year. The regional event’s various programmes ran from 28 July and culminated in the Summit which was held on 17 and 18 August.

“The decision to reschedule was made due to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Harare, which took place on 17 and 18 August 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience this change may have caused,” read the statement.

The expo’s programme will include a Hybrid Investment Seminar, which will be held on 4 October, and a Property Consumer Conference, which is set for 5 October. These concurrent events will feature expert presentations on subjects such as Zimbabwe Property and Wealth Taxes Defined, Guidelines for Purchasing Residential/Commercial Land and Property. Other areas to be covered by presenters are Real Estate Investment Trusts Concept, Investment Opportunities in King City, Zim Cyber City, Fairview Estate and Mt Hampden. The presentations will also cover Property Rights under the New Marriage Act and the role of the Central Bank in Property Management.

In terms of targeted exhibitor sectors, the Africa Exhibition Group indicated that the Zimbabwe Property Expo is designed to attract a diverse range of exhibitors from various sectors within the real estate industry. These include property developers and builders, real estate agents and brokers, and investment companies, which include real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Other targeted sectors include construction and building materials suppliers, legal and financial services, telecommunications and internet service provision companies, which will be showcasing home solutions and connectivity options, as well as security companies.

Home décor and renovation entities as well as education and governance companies are also expected to use the exhibition to showcase the goods and services they provide.

The event organisers are expecting the expo to benefit local and international property investors seeking opportunities in the Zimbabwean property market. Homebuyers and real estate enthusiasts who are interested in purchasing residential or commercial properties in Zimbabwe can also benefit from visiting the expo.

Stakeholders who stand to benefit by visiting the event include industry professionals such as architects, surveyors, and urban planners, who are looking to network and stay updated on industry trends. Government officials and policymakers involved in urban development and housing policies can also gain insights on the trends in the local property sector.

For members of the general public with interest in learning more about the real estate market and opportunities available therein, the exhibition presents an event where most of their questions will be answered. The expo will also serve as a family day on Saturday 5 October, with a dedicated kids’ zone where children can play safely.

Africa Exhibition Group Chairman, Dr Tawafadza Makoni (pictured) pledged his company’s commitment to showcase Zimbabwe’s property industry to the world through the event.

“In our relentless pursuit to put Zimbabwe and Africa on the international map through premier event solutions, Africa Exhibition Group is proud to present our flagship project, the Zimbabwe Property Expo. This ambitious initiative showcases Zimbabwe’s vast real estate potential to a global audience.

 “Our aim is to gain international recognition as the premier events solutions architect in Africa. By showcasing Africa’s best to the world, we aim to unlock the continent’s potential and herald a new era of collaboration,” Dr Makoni said.

Africa Exhibition Group (Pvt) Ltd is registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) as an events organiser which seeks to place Zimbabwe and Africa on the global stage through meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). The company also provides event management services which include conceptualisation, planning, marketing and post-event evaluation.

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Conferences/Meetings

Africa Business Conference to tackle ideas, collaboration and trade

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

BigBusiness Africa, a Johannesburg-based continental business body, is organising a conference, which is set to be held in South Africa in October.  The event is expected to focus on ideas, collaboration and trade. The organisation announced this in a media statement issued this week.

“On the 16th and 17th of October 2024, BigBusiness Africa is hosting a continental ideas, collaboration and trade conference for up to 1 000 business leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and media representatives from Africa and the diaspora. A key objective of the upcoming Africa Business Conference is to have discussions that will assist industry leaders and entrepreneurs to “Define the New Era” of doing business in Africa,” read part of the statement.

The event has its basis in the quest to develop business strategies in a continent that keeps changing fast. The idea started last year.

“Designing a winning strategy in complex African and global markets is the art of asking questions, experimenting and then constantly renewing the thinking process by questioning the answers. And this is what we seek to do in this conference that was birthed through a cross-border collaboration with the board president of the organisation, Ms Pandora Mabai, a year later in 2024,” BigBusiness Africa Chief Executive Officer, Stephene Chikozho (pictured) explained.

According to Mabai, the event is a demonstration of and a vehicle for BigBusiness Africa’s commitment to fostering business growth, collaboration and innovation across the continent.

“We see ourselves as agents of change that are focused on building a thriving ecosystem for businesses on the African continent. Our aim for this year’s conference is to highlight the continent’s dynamic business environment, emerging markets and innovative entrepreneurial spirit. We have put together dynamic industry leaders to share their insights and engage the delegates in robust discussions on a broad range of issues and industry sectors,” Mabai commented.

The conference organisers have assembled a line-up of almost 20 speakers from various countries and backgrounds across the globe to share perceptions and experiences during the meeting. These include Zimbabweans, WestProp Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ken Sharpe, ZimBuild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tinashe Manzungu and United Kingdom-based computer engineer, Tigere Rangwani.

According to the statement, the event’s programme is expected to be characterised by a mix of sessions with panel discussions, and master classes discussing issues across a range of industry sectors namely agriculture, the built environment and infrastructure, creative industries and sport, education and leadership development, energy, financial services and digital currencies, government complex, health, beauty and pharmaceuticals, logistics and transport, mining and beneficiation, telecommunications, technology and artificial intelligence, trading and services.

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