The President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto is set to officially open the 2024 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) scheduled for 23 to 27 April 2024 in Bulawayo.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere in a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, March 26.
He said the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, presented the update on preparations for the 2024 ZITF. Said Muswere:
Preparations for the 2024 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are on track, with infrastructure refurbishment already underway and expected to be completed by 20 April 2024.
The 64th Edition Fair, which will be private sector-led, will run under the theme “Innovation: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade”.
The fair will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Ruto.
A total of 466 direct exhibitors had registered to participate as of 21 March, 2024, with 65 exhibiting for the first time.
96 percent or 47 425 square metres out of the net space available or 49 499 square metres have been taken up.
Muswere said 25 international exhibitors from 21 countries, namely: Belarus; the People’s Republic of China; the European Union; France; Germany; Italy; Iran; Japan; Kenya; Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Netherlands; Nigeria; Romania; South Africa; South Korea; Sweden; the United Kingdom; the United States of America and Zambia have confirmed attendance.
He said Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will officially open the ZITF Welcome Cocktail and the ZITF International Business Conference on 24 April. Added Muswere:
There will be the ZITF Charity Golf Challenge, ZITF Diplomats Forum, Connect Africa Symposium and Tourism Night which will be held on 25 April.
The ZITF Diplomats Forum will be held under the theme “Fostering Economic Partnerships through Entrepreneurship”, while the theme for the Connect Africa Symposium will be “Entrepreneurial Africa: Routes to Sustainable Progress”. Vice President Mohadi will officially open the Symposium.”
The Minister said the Official Opening Ceremony and the ZNCC Business Luncheon will be on 26 April, while the Public Days will be held on 26 and 27 April.