ZITF 2026 generates over US$600 million in deals

Published: 2 hours ago

The 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has generated more than US$600 million in business transactions, confirming its growing role as a key investment and industrial matchmaking platform.

Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu said preliminary figures from the 2026 edition show strong commercial activity, with confirmed orders, business leads and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) already recorded across multiple sectors.

"Preliminary analysis indicates over US$600 million worth of business transactions, confirmed orders and leads were generated during the show," Ndlovu said.

The minister said the event is expected to generate additional value as post-fair negotiations conclude, with some deals still undergoing due diligence.

He added that structured business-to-business (B2B) sessions produced high-value leads, particularly in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, mining and energy.

The government now expects the fair's total value to rise significantly once all commitments are finalised, with long-term ambitions of pushing annual transactions beyond the US$1 billion mark.

Officials said the results challenge the perception that ZITF is merely a networking event, arguing instead that it has evolved into a serious commercial marketplace.

"This year's edition demonstrated ZITF's convening power at the highest level," Ndlovu said, noting participation from senior government officials, business leaders and international delegations.

According to organisers, the Investors Lounge — run in partnership with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency — played a central role in improving matchmaking between local firms and foreign investors.

Sector interest was strongest in manufacturing, mining, agriculture and energy, while ICT and financial services also recorded increased engagement.

The ZITF Company introduced several digital enhancements, including the XPO263 mobile app for scheduling meetings and capturing business leads, alongside improved access systems and logistics upgrades.

Officials also noted a shift in international participation, with fewer embassy-led delegations and increased presence of private sector companies, following efforts to attract more direct commercial engagement.

The 2026 edition builds on last year's performance, which generated between US$296 million and US$379 million in business leads, alongside US$18 million in signed agreements.

ZITF organisers say they are continuing to refine data systems to better capture the full economic value of transactions concluded at the fair.

Board chairman Busisa Moyo said exhibitors and delegates play a crucial role in reporting concluded deals, noting that the fair is increasingly becoming a platform where "real business is done, not just discussed."

As Zimbabwe positions itself as open for business, the ZITF continues to solidify its role as one of the country's most important investment and trade gateways.
- the herald

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