BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe’s premier business exhibition the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair got underway in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The five-day trade showcase runs until April 27.

This year’s edition has seen the number of exhibitors rise from 565 last year to 624. They include 26 foreign countries, up from 21 in 2023.

Industry and commerce minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu said: “This year we have 136 first time exhibitors compared to 103 last year. We are excited about the upward trend in most of the areas we are assessing.”

The fair opens with three “business days” while the last two days will open to the public.

Kenyan President William Ruto has been announced as the guest of honour, and will officially open the 64th edition of the annual fair on Friday.

Vice president Constantino Chiwenga will host a welcome cocktail and officiate at the International Business Conference on Wednesday.

The calendar of events also includes the ZITF Charity Golf Challenge, the ZITF Diplomats Forum and the Connect Africa Symposium.