Botswana President Duma Boko to Officially Open ZITF 2026
- Southerton Business Times
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
BULAWAYO — President Duma Boko of Botswana is set to officially open the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), marking a significant moment for regional economic integration. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Zhemu Soda, during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Wednesday. The premier trade showcase, scheduled to run from April 20 to 25, 2026, at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, will see President Boko perform the official opening honours on Thursday, April 23.
This year’s fair operates under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” a strategic nod to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This year’s ZITF theme underscores the significance of regional trade, cross-border collaboration, and the promotion of resilient supply chains,” Minister Soda stated. “President Boko’s presence reinforces the strong bilateral and economic ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana.”
Minister Soda noted that strategic discussions are currently underway with major airlines, including Air Zimbabwe, fastjet, and Ethiopian Airlines, to increase flight frequencies to Bulawayo. This surge in logistics is aimed at facilitating the seamless movement of thousands of delegates and exhibitors expected to descend on the City of Kings.
The 2026 edition has already broken previous records for participation. International interest has nearly doubled, with 33 exhibitors from 16 different nations confirmed, compared to just 17 participants in 2025.
Key ZITF 2026 Statistics:
Total Exhibitors: 520 (surpassing 486 in 2025).
New Exhibitors: 72 companies participating for the first time.
Space Booked: 49,100m² (93% of total available space).
International Presence: Over 33 exhibitors from 16 countries.
President Boko’s invitation continues a trend of inviting high-profile regional leaders to the trade showcase. The fair was opened by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in 2025 and Kenyan President William Ruto in 2024. The inclusion of Botswana’s new leadership signals a fresh chapter in SADC trade relations, with a focus on the Diamond-to-Beef value chains and technological exchange between Gaborone and Harare.
ZITF 2026 Zimbabwe
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