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Dr Nicholas Ndebele

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ZITF Co headhunts project manager to implement ZICES plans

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company is looking for a project manager as the business events organiser and venue owner pushes to implement the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) master plan, which it announced last year.

The company developed a master plan to convert its 17-hectare property into a smart city which will feature a 5 000-seater international conference centre that will be linked to a 500-room hotel. A five-star boutique hotel with facilities to host travelling heads of state and VIPs will form part of the development. The master plan includes a retail shopping centre to provide daily convenience and offer visitors and residents a diverse range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

The US$300 million project, whose master plan was crafted with the assistance of property developer, Terrace Africa, will be developed in stages using a public-private partnership (PPP) funding model. When the announcement was made, Terrace Africa was expected to kick off the project with the development of a shopping complex. The property developer put up a US$20 million shopping mall at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS)’s 25-hectare The Hub showground in Harare, which was completed late last year. The Hub is the venue of ZAS’ Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.

According to the vacancy notice issued this week, the project manager will report to the ZITF Company Chief Executive, Dr. Nicholas Ndebele. He or she will have the overall responsibility for the implementation of the master plan, planning and designating project resources, preparing budgets and monitoring the project’s progress. The project manager will also oversee the liaison function of the ZITF Company with stakeholders such as funding partners, leasees and regulatory authorities.

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ExhibitionsOrganisers

ZITF rolls out regional road shows

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company is set to embark on road shows to market this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to the region.

An invitation seen by Business Events showed that the first such event is slated for Hotel Sky in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa on 28 February. The event, whose attendance is by invitation, is being organised by the ZITF Company and the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa. The document described the event as “an exclusive gathering of forward thinking business leaders.”

The event is expected to focus on trade and investment opportunities in the Zimbabwe.

“As part of the ZITF Regional Roadshows initiative, this event will spotlight lucrative trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe while strengthening regional collaboration,” read part of the invitation.

The ZITF Company board Chairman, Busisa Moyo explained the initiative in a LinkedIn post yesterday.

“This year our slant at the ZITF Company is to spotlight the manufacturing sector and industrialisation from an exhibition point of view as well as foregrounding conversation (on) the science of industrial scale production and productivity concepts,” he posted.

Moyo also indicated that the choice of South as the first country to host the regional road shows was influenced by the fact that Zimbabwe’s southern neighbour is its most important trade partner.

“South Africa is the biggest stockholder of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe and arguably still our most significant trading partner. A lot of manufacturing equipment, raw materials and finished goods still come from South Africa. We are keen to meet with groups who supply the first two so that they participate in our 65th edition this year,” he explained.

This year’s edition of the ZITF, which coincides with the exhibition’s 65th anniversary, is slated for 21 to 26 April under the theme: “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”

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ExhibitionsOrganisers

MineEntra2024: ZITF Co introduces buyers’ programme

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company, the organisers of the Mining, Engineering and Transport (MineEntra) exhibition has introduced a buyers’ programme to this year in response to exhibitors’ concerns.

Therefore, this year’s edition of the MineEntra exhibition is set to be dominated by activities that enhance engagement, networking and the sharing of insights among mining sector stakeholders.

ZITF Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Nicholas Ndebele disclosed this development during a preparations update that he gave this week.

The event is pencilled to be held from 17 to 19 July at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo under the theme: “Unearthing Success: “The Mining Value Chains, Innovation & Industrialisation Nexus.”

Dr Ndebele highlighted that this year his company introduced a programme that will foster engagement and networking among stakeholders especially buyers and sellers to address the exhibitors’ concerns over the need for them to meet with buyers.

“This year will be a bit different as we are addressing one pain point, which exhibitors have always highlighted – whether buyers will come and see what is on display at the show. So we have introduced a buyers’ programme whose thrust is to allow speed networking between buyers and sellers of goods. So it’s a structured programme that will ensure that various exhibitors meet buyers,” Dr Ndebele said.

The ZITF boss indicated that the discourse during the event would revolve around critical issues such as productivity and environmental stewardship in the sector.

“Conversations during Mine Entra 2024 will zero in on unlocking a future of greater mining productivity, environmental responsibility, and economic prosperity. These are expected to feed into the Minerals Development Policy, Value Addition and Beneficiation strategy, the Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) strategy at a mining sector level, and the National Development Strategy at a broader economic level,” he said.

In line with its quest to encourage engagement and networking among stakeholders, the ZITF Company prepared a line-up of concurrent events to run alongside the show. These include a welcome cocktail, the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, workshops, the MineEntra Conference, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference and the MineEntra Charity Golf Challenge. The show is expected to be officially opened on the event’s second day.

Dr Ndebele explained that this year’s theme was meant to cast a spotlight on the connection among mining value chains, innovation and industrialisation.

“The Mine Entra 2024 theme is ‘Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus,’ with the expo being specially curated to showcase the latest trends and advancements in the mining industry, both locally and internationally. The theme is meant to highlight how the mining industry, once considered mature and capital-intensive, is currently experiencing a significant transformation fuelled by innovation. The theme is also a rallying call for the sector to innovate and optimise their mining and mineral processing techniques to create strong value chains, and ultimately drive resource-based industrialisation,” Dr Ndebele said.

Turning to the preparations for the event, the ZITF CEO disclosed that 136 exhibitors had registered to date, of which six companies were foreign, representing China (2), South Africa (3) and the United Kingdom (1). He said that a total of 4 535m² of exhibition space had been sold, which translated to 67 percent of the available space. A fact sheet released by the company last month showed that last year a total of 6 544m2 out of the 6 970m2 that was available was taken up by exhibitors. This translates to 94 percent.

During last year’s edition of the event, a total of 204 exhibitors participated in the show. This figure comprised 166 local direct exhibitors, eight foreign direct exhibitors, 26 local indirect exhibitors and four indirect foreign exhibitors. Exhibitors from Harare made up 58 percent of exhibitors during last year’s exhibition, while those from Bulawayo constituted 30 percent. Participants from other towns and cities made up 5 percent, while those from other countries constituted 6 percent of the exhibitors.

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Exhibitors

ZITF2024 foreign exhibitors top last year’s figure

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

Foreign countries and companies are displaying increasing interest in the country’s international exhibition, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). This was revealed by the ZITF Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr   Nicholas Ndebele during an update to the media in Bulawayo on Monday this week.

The event is set to run from 23 to 27 April 2024 under the theme: “Entrepreneurship: The catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade.”

Dr Ndebele highlighted that the number of foreign exhibitors that have confirmed participation in this year’s edition so far had increased to 30, up from last year’s figure of 22. This represents a 36.4 percent upsurge in the number of foreign exhibitors when compared to last year’s numbers.

“Space uptake by foreign exhibitors has also been good with 30 international exhibitors from 24 different nations being represented at ZITF2024, up from 22 countries last year,” Dr Ndebele said.

The ZITF boss indicated that to date, exhibitors from Botswana, Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, the European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia had confirmed participation at this year’s event.

Turning to the preparations for the event, Dr Ndebele said that the exhibition had been fully subscribed in record time.

“We are currently sitting at 97 percent of space capacity with 486 exhibitors who have taken up 48,199m2 square metres. This places us almost at par with the booking situation at the same time last year, where 48,408m2 had been booked (97.7 percent),” he said.

Commenting on the events and engagements, which will run concurrently with the trade fair, Dr Ndebele said they would centre on the role of entrepreneurship in facilitating the various facets of industrialisation and trade. The concurrent events present opportunities for networking,

 “The upcoming discussions will focus on the impact of entrepreneurship on industrialisation and trade, opportunities for international collaboration and investment, strategies for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovative approaches to overcome trade barriers and promote global market access. We are expecting a mix of local and international programme participants as well as attendees,” he said.

The main concurrent events include the ZITF International Business Conference, the Africa Symposium, the ZITF Charity Golf Challenge and the Innovators Forum.

Kenyan President, William Ruto is expected to officially open this year’s edition of the trade fair.

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ExhibitionsOrganisers

MineEntra to be held in November

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Mining, Engineering and Transport (MineEntra) exhibition is set to be held in November. This was announced by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nick Ndebele in a statement this week.

“The ZITF Company is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated dates for its upcoming exhibition, MineEntra. The premier mining, engineering, and transport exhibition in Zimbabwe will be held under the theme, “Accelerating Economic Transformation through Mineral Beneficiation,” from 1 to 3 November 2023, at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo,” Dr Ndebele said in the statement.

Dr Ndebele explained that the theme of the event was influenced by the government’s quest to achieve a US$12 billion mining industry by the end of 2023 as well as current trends in the sector.

“The theme calls on industry stakeholders to embrace technology and innovation in their mining processes, bearing in mind the importance of mineral beneficiation for Zimbabwe as a developing country. It also highlights how innovative mineral beneficiation has the potential to transform the economy through job creation, higher mining industry profitability as well and an increase in direct foreign investment, all in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which is integral in the pursuit of the attainment of Vision 2030,” the ZITF Company boss said.

Dr. Ndebele explained that the exhibition would maintain its usual three-day format with supporting concurrent events.

“Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive programme that includes expert-led conferences, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. MineEntra 2023 will bring together leading minds, government officials, industry experts, and investors to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the mining and mineral beneficiation sector.

“Concurrent events will include the MineEntra Conference and the Official Opening as well as the MineEntra Exhibitors Cocktail on the second day of the exhibition. The third and final day will feature the MineEntra Charity Golf Challenge and the Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference,” he said.

Dr Ndebele indicated that the ZITF Company was already receiving many enquiries from both local and international exhibitors.

The event, which is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, is usually held in July annually. According to the ZITF Company calendar of events released early in the year, the event was initially slated for 28 to 30 June.

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Exhibitions

ZITF2023 preparations on course

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The preparations for this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are on course. This was revealed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa in a post-Cabinet media briefing statement this week.

The event is set to be held in Bulawayo from 25 to 29 April 2023 under the theme “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”

“The nation is being advised that a total of 363 exhibitors have so far booked exhibition space, and there will be 45 new exhibitors. Nine foreign nations have booked exhibition stands, and these include Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Belarus, Britain, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan,” Mutsvangwa said.

The ZITF Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nicholas Ndebele advised in a statement last month that nearly 80 percent of the event’s space had already been taken up. During last year’s edition of the event, a total of 18 foreign nations participated in the trade fair.

The highlights of the event include exclusive business days from 25 to 27 April, the ZITF International Business Conference on 27 April, the ZITF Diplomats Forum and Connect Africa Symposium on 27 April, the official opening ceremony and the ZNCC Business Luncheon on 28 April. The last two days of the event, 28 and 29 April, will be public days.

The guest of honour, who will officiate during the official opening ceremony. is yet to be announced.

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ExhibitionsOrganisers

Most of ZITF space booked

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The preparation for this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which is set for 25 to 29 April 2023, are progressing well with both local and foreign participants showing interest in the event. This was disclosed by Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company Chief Executive officer, Dr. Nicholas Ndebele in an update that he issued last week.

“(The) preparations for the 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair… are gearing up with palpable interest from both domestic and international participants, Dr. Ndebele said.

The ZITF boss highlighted that nearly 80 percent of the available exhibition space had already been snapped up by participants in this year’s trade fair.

“Barely two months post the official launch of the marketing and promotional campaign, just under 80 percent of available space has been taken up (37,616 square metres). This compares favourably with the situation at the same time last year when 34 000 square metres had been booked,” he said.

Dr Ndebele also explained the theme under which this year’s edition is set to be held. The event is expected to be held under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”

“The theme recognises that the path to success for Zimbabwean companies may not necessarily lie within its borders. Today’s hyper-connected world brings with it a new era of opportunities for industrial and economic growth. In the global economy, the speed at which business takes place, or at which the economy moves, has become almost supersonic with one’s ability to compete on the global stage matched only by their ability to continuously innovate.

“The theme, therefore, rallies economic players to invest in the innovation economy as a conduit to unlocking value from the global economy. It positions ZITF as the “opportunities platform”- where visionaries can showcase their innovations (products/services/ideas) to like-minded, domestic and international value-chain actors and co-develop home-grown solutions which can competitively meet global standards,” he said.

The ZITF CEO said that participants could look forward to a productive exhibition experience, which would leave them armed with deals sealed, partnerships secured and a wealth of promising possibilities to explore.

Turning to the event’s marketing campaign, Dr Ndebele indicated that his company was approaching foreign embassies as well as local returning and prospective exhibitors. He said that the response to the sales and marketing efforts had been quite positive.

“Following the unveiling of the dates and theme at the end of last year, the company began its international participant recruitment drive, which included high-level stakeholder visits to heads of foreign diplomatic missions based in Zimbabwe to canvass for their participation in the 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

“The visits, which targeted Zimbabwe’s traditional and new trading partners, sought to invite envoys to facilitate national exhibition participation by their home countries as well as business delegations of buyers, financiers and investors to visit the show for unparalleled opportunities to interact with Zimbabwean brands, products, services and business people,” he said.

In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ndebele assured stakeholders of a safe event.

“The Company would like to take this opportunity to reassure its various stakeholders of its continued commitment to ensuring that all reasonable steps will be taken to promote and maintain safe and healthy conditions for participants.

“While the pandemic appears to be under control, show organisers are remaining vigilant and keeping abreast with national and international policy briefs and advices. The company will continue to work with local and national health authorities to format the show in a manner that complies with health and safety regulations and minimises exposure risk to Covid19,” he said.

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ExhibitorsOrganisers

ZITF sells trade fair to embassies

by Editorial Team
written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company is visiting foreign diplomatic missions in Harare to secure business ahead of this year’s ZITF, which is set to be held from 26 to 30 April.

The company revealed this development on its social media pages this week. A delegation comprising ZITF Company chairman, Busisa Moyo, ZITF Company CEO, Dr Nicholas Ndebele and his deputy, Stella Nkomo is knocking on embassies’ doors asking them to participate in the trade and explaining the benefits of the show.

“This week ZITF had high-level representation in Harare visiting foreign diplomatic missions based in Zimbabwe to canvass for their participation in the 62nd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (which is) taking place from 26 to 30 April 2022,” the company posted.

One of the embassies that the company’s executives, who were led by ZITF Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nicholas Ndebele, visited is the Kenyan Embassy.

“This morning Dr. Nick Ndebele met Ambassador Stella Munyi of the Embassy of Kenya to deliver a personal invitation for an exhibit from Kenya as well as a business delegation of buyers, financiers and investors to visit the show,” said the company in another post.

The company’s executives so far been to the embassies of Angola, Botswana, DRC, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malawi, Russia, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania.

“The response has been warm and highly encouraging. In fact, all the embassies visited have confirmed participation in the show either as exhibitors or visitors. Additionally, all the heads of missions will participate extensively in the Diplomats Forum scheduled to take place during the show,” Nkomo told The Chronicle newspaper

A business strategist who also advises on exhibition participation, Simon Bere who responded to the posts, praised the ZITF Company’s strategy and advised the company to use it way ahead of the event to give the target embassies and the companies from home to respond and prepare for participation.

“ZITF Company, a great approach. Maybe doing it earlier in the future will improve it since the embassy also needs to inform their business community and they often need enough time to factor such things in their annual plans and budgets,” said Bere in his response.

Over the past few years concerns have been raised over the low number of foreign exhibitors exhibiting at the trade fair compared to the past.  Most of the space which used to be taken by foreign exhibitors is being filled up by local business.

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