By Ronaldo Mapingire
The 64th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) wrapped up yesterday in Bulawayo, after a week long exhibition of a dynamic array of global innovation and strategic partnerships.
Yesterday’s main events saw the visiting President of Kenya, His Excellency William Ruto accompanied by president Mnangagwa touring exhibition stands before his keynote address and presentation of awards to winners.
In his address, President Ruto praised Zimbabwe’s vigorous efforts towards economic rejuvenation, expressing strong confidence in the country’s resurgence as Africa’s breadbasket—a goal he deemed not only feasible but imminent.
Embodying the theme, “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade” this year’s fair attracted local and foreign exhibitors who unveiled pioneering solutions set to transform various industries.
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, accompanied by ZITF Company board chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo, toured stands on Friday. His itinerary included stops at the cattle ranching pavilions, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Innovation and Technology stand, the ZANU PF stand, and the Netone Cellular Pvt Ltd stand where the majority of exhibitors demonstrated thorough preparation and enthusiasm towards innovation and industrial growth.
The event also recognized exceptional exhibitors, with President Ruto presenting awards to winners in various categories.
These top achievers exemplified the trade fair’s high standards and commitment to excellence. The winners are outlined below:
Best Zimbabwean Exhibit Energy category – Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)
Best Zimbabwean exhibit First Time category – Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational training
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Tourism and Travel category – Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Medical and Health related category – Premier Service Medical Aid Society
Best Zimbabwean exhibit ICT category – Netone Cellular Pvt.Ltd
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Civic Participation category – City of Masvingo
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Education and Training category – Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Small to Medium Enterprises category – Duracrete
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Agriculture and Irrigation equipment category – Verify Engineering
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Building and Construction category – Tredger products
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Furniture home improvement and Interior Decoration category – Allied Timbers
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Chemicals Pharmaceuticals Cosmetics and Chemicals category – Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Food category – Delta Corporation Limited
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Motor Trade – Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara)
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Business support and Regulatory Authorities – Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ)
Best Zimbabwean exhibit clothing footwear textiles and accessories – Edgars Stores Limited
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Mining and Engineering – Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ)
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Packaging plastics stationery and printing category – Zimbabwe Post
Best Zimbabwean exhibit Non Industrial Non Commercial category – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
Supreme Zimbabwean exhibit – Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development
Best and Most Outstanding foreign display – European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe
