ZITF inks US$12m deal
RONALD MOYO IN BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has struck a landmark partnership that will inject US$12 million into the development of a modern retail shopping centre, marking a pivotal step in its ambitious plan to transform its exhibition grounds into a cutting-edge smart city precinct.
This investment forms part of a broader redevelopment strategy under the “Visionary Masterplan,” which seeks to reposition Bulawayo as Zimbabwe’s premier destination for exhibitions, conferencing, and hospitality. The comprehensive redevelopment includes a 5,000-seater convention centre and two upscale hotels—a five-star and a four-star facility.
The revamped site will be rebranded as the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), aligning with the national thrust towards technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic modernization under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and its successor, NDS2.
Providing an update at the ongoing International Business Conference in Bulawayo, ZITF Company Chairman Mr. Busisa Moyo expressed optimism about the transformation’s momentum.
“We are pleased to confirm that we’ve secured a partner who is committing US$12 million towards developing a state-of-the-art shopping complex at the ZITF grounds,” Moyo said. “This is part of our vision to build a smart exhibition city that serves not only as a trade hub but also as a lifestyle and business destination.”
He added that calls for expressions of interest have already been issued for the construction of the new hotel and conference precinct.
“We’ve opened the doors to investors for the hotel and convention centre segments. This infrastructure is critical for enhancing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, attracting high-calibre exhibitors and regional business events,” Moyo noted.
The International Business Conference, held under the theme “Revitalising Industrialisation for Zimbabwe’s Economic Resurgence,” is the country’s premier platform for economic dialogue. It brings together senior government officials, policymakers, and business leaders to forge strategies that promote industrialisation and regional competitiveness.
ZITF’s Smart City vision comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to upgrade its business infrastructure and position itself as an attractive destination for regional trade and investment.
