THE 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which ended last week, presented Zimbabwe with yet another critical opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress it has made in recent years. Through innovation, industrialisation, and strategic partnerships, Zimbabwe continues to position itself as an emerging economic powerhouse within Africa. More than just a trade fair, the event underscored Zimbabwe’s ingenuity and its unwavering commitment to leveraging regional and historical alliances for national development.
ZITF 2025 served as a multifaceted platform: a celebration of Zimbabwe’s technological advancements, a strategic forum for fostering regional trade, and a bold statement of the country’s readiness to fully re-engage with the global economy. At the heart of this exhibition was the theme of resilience, a trait that Zimbabweans have cultivated in the face of decades-long adversities, from colonial exploitation to the more recent economic sanctions imposed by Western powers. Since the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe has endured severe economic and political isolation, primarily as a consequence of its historic Land Reform Programme aimed at redistributing land to historically disenfranchised citizens. This move, though ‘controversial’ globally, was rooted in a national drive to correct colonial injustices. In response to the subsequent sanctions and economic warfare, Zimbabwe has turned to innovation and regional cooperation as its primary tools of resistance and growth.
ZITF is one such platform where these tools are displayed to the world. Whereas in the past, when the narrative often centred on Zimbabwe’s potential, the country now projects a narrative of agency and self-determination. Zimbabwe is no longer merely a land of possibilities; it is a nation actively transforming those possibilities into tangible outcomes through science, technology and a return to cultural roots. Innovation hubs and centres of excellence across the country bear testimony to these efforts.
This year’s ZITF highlighted the successful fusion of indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology. From solar-powered agricultural solutions to digital platforms for financial inclusion, the exhibits demonstrated how Zimbabwe is harnessing its unique socio-economic and cultural context to develop homegrown solutions to both local and global challenges. In addition to the innovation focus, the event served as a powerful reminder of Zimbabwe’s historical and ongoing ties with traditional allies, particularly Mozambique. The presence of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo as the guest of honour added a deeply symbolic dimension to the proceedings. His attendance not only reflected the strong bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Mozambique but also highlighted the shared historical experiences that continue to bind the two nations. April holds a special place in the collective memory of Zimbabweans.
It was in this month that two iconic resistance fighters — Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi — were executed on April 27, 1898, for leading uprisings against colonial rule. Their legacy of resistance and agency lives on in every facet of Zimbabwean society. Their defiance laid the foundation for a prolonged liberation struggle that would culminate decades later in Zimbabwe’s independence. That struggle reached a turning point on April 28, 1966, during the Battle of Chinhoyi, when seven young Zimbabwean fighters took a bold stand against the colonial regime. These historical events form the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s current pursuit of economic liberation and technological innovation. President Chapo’s presence, therefore, was not just a diplomatic gesture but a profound acknowledgment of a shared past and a joint vision for the future.“Mozambique is Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is Mozambique. We are one,” President Chapo declared during the Fair’s opening ceremony. His message underscored the strategic imperative of regional cooperation, not just for historical sentiment but as a necessary condition for economic transformation and global competitiveness.
President Chapo emphasised that the two countries should now deepen their ties through increased trade and investment. He identified agriculture, industry, transportation, and logistics as key sectors for collaboration. “Our presence at this important Fair represents our determination to boost and facilitate trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe in particular, and with the world in general, as well as attract foreign direct investment from Zimbabwe and countries represented here,” he said.
The figures from this year’s ZITF ref lect growing international interest in Zimbabwe. Private sector participation increased significantly, with the number of companies rising from 298 in 2024 to 368 in 2025. International participation also grew, with the number of participating countries going up from 21 to 30. The number of direct international exhibitors almost doubled, rising from 35 in 2024 to 67 in 2025. First-time exhibitors also surged, from 71 in 2024 to 89 this year. These numbers are not just statistics; they are a clear indication of growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory. ZITF 2025 was more than a showcase; it was a powerful narrative of a country charting its course through adversity.
Zimbabwe is asserting itself not just as a participant in global trade but as a significant contributor to regional development. The Fair highlighted the strategic benefits of regional cooperation in driving innovation, expanding markets, and building resilient economies. The spirit of pan-Africanism was alive throughout the event. From collaborative projects between Zimbabwean and Mozambican companies to regional dialogues on trade integration, the event offered a glimpse into a future where African countries leverage their historical ties and geographical proximity to foster sustainable development.
The increased participation of the private sector, especially from the region, is evidence of the confidence that the business community is placing in Zimbabwe’s reform agenda. It also reflects agrowing awareness that regional cooperation is not just desirable but essential in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global economy. Zimbabwe’s journey has not been easy, but the challenges have forged a national character defined by resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of identity.
The country is now reaping the dividends of years of strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and institutional reform. Moreover, ZITF 2025 has demonstrated that innovation is not a preserve of the West. African nations, when empowered and supported, can be epicentres of creativity and technological advancement. The event also reiterated the importance of cultural identity in shaping economic strategies. In Zimbabwe, the return to indigenous knowledge systems is not a retreat into the past but a strategic move into a future that is both modern and authentically African. As participants departed the City of Kings, they carried with them more than just business cards and brochures.
They carried a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by a country that refuses to be defined by its challenges. Zimbabwe has once again demonstrated that it is open for business and, more importantly, it is ready to lead in shaping Africa’s innovation and industrialisation agenda. Looking ahead, the success of ZITF 2025 sets a high bar for subsequent editions. But if the trajectory remains steady and if the momentum generated this year is sustained, Zimbabwe’s future on the global stage looks brighter than ever.
ZITF 2025 reaffirmed the critical role of regional cooperation and trade in driving innovation and economic development. It was a showcase of ingenuity and a clarion call for deeper collaboration across the African continent and international players.