The curtain finally came down on the 63rd Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo recently.

His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini officially opened this year’s edition which ran under the Theme “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness”.

He commended the Government of Zimbabwe for organizing the event whose theme dovetailed with the agenda of the 2023 Transform Africa Summit, a situation which he said would help to improve and integrate the economies of the region and the whole continent.

“The theme of the 63rd Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is in line with the Transform Africa Summit 2023. ZITF boosts and stabilizes economies not only in Zimbabwe but the SADC region and Africa as a whole”, said the Eswatini Royal Majesty.

King Mswati III underscored that ZITF had helped to demonstrate that Africa could now compete in global markets as shown by the quality of products and services that were being showcased.

“Indeed, the great innovations and exhibitions of the products and services being showcased at this Trade Fair is confirmation that Africa is ready to compete in the international markets and claim its share of the global economy”, said King Mswati III adding that it would promote value addition and import substitution in Africa.

In her remarks during the official opening of the ZITF 63rd Edition, Hon Dr. Sekai I. Nzenza, the Minister of Industry and Commerce said the ZITF is a strategic platform for regional and international integration as it provided an opportunity for business meetings held concurrently and in line with the theme of the ZITF.

“ZITF supports nation branding and regional and international integration which is in line with His Excellency’s mantra, Zimbabwe is Open for Business.

“Several discourses on regional and international integration ensued during this ZITF which include, the International Business Conference and Connect Africa Symposium among others, held in line with the ZITF theme”, said Hon Dr Nzenza