Preparations for the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are progressing well, with indications that about 520 exhibitors have registered their participation for the 2026 edition, which will run from the 20th to the 25th of April.
The 66th edition of ZITF will run under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” and is expected to be officially opened on the 23rd April, 2026, by His Excellency Advocate Duma Gedion Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana.
According to the post-Cabinet brief statement, this year’s ZITF theme underscores the significance of regional trade, cross-border collaboration, and promotion of resilient supply chains in line with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Strategic discussions are also underway with Air services such as Air Zimbabwe, Fast Jet, and Ethopian Airlines, among others, to facilitate increased flight frequency for seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period.
The cabinet statement read, ‘’Cabinet noted that a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time. A total space of 49 100 m2 representing 93% of the total available exhibition space has been booked.
‘’Additionally, foreign participation is positive with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 different countries in the region and beyond confirmed, compared to the 17 recorded in 2025.’’
Major highlights of this year’s ZITF program include various business and strategic engagements, the Rural Industrialisation Indaba, the Youth in Business Festival, the Welcome Cocktail, the ZITF Innovators Forum; the Connect Africa Symposium; the Diplomats Forum; and a Charity Golf Challenge, among many others.
ZITF is a key indicator of the country’s ability to host Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE) business which one of the key pillars of tourism. Zimbabwe is said to possess huge MICE potential which is yet to be fully tapped.
Besides MICE business, ZITF contributes to the country’s tourism receipts through accommodation and activities