By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe is abuzz with anticipation as preparations intensify for the country’s flagship mining, engineering, and transport exhibition — Mine Entra 2025 — set to run from October 8 to 10 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo.
Now marking its 27th edition, Mine Entra stands as one of the most respected and enduring trade exhibitions on the national calendar. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple industry showcase into a powerful platform for business networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration — not only within Zimbabwe but across the Southern African region.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining,” captures the event’s forward-looking focus. It challenges stakeholders to reimagine mining as a vehicle for sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
Organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, the expo continues to attract influential voices and industry leaders who shape the direction of the mining sector.
Among the much-anticipated highlights is the Buyers Programme, now entering its second year. Introduced in 2024, the programme has been hailed as a game-changer for exhibitors and industry executives alike. It brings together procurement officers, investors, and suppliers under one roof — enabling direct engagement, product demonstrations, and tailored business negotiations.
According to organisers, the Buyers Programme has transformed Mine Entra from a traditional exhibition into a vibrant marketplace where meaningful connections are made and contracts are sealed. The ZITF Company is currently finalising the list of participants, which includes both local and international buyers eager to explore partnerships within Zimbabwe’s growing mining landscape.
Interest in the 2025 edition has been impressive. More than 170 exhibitors had confirmed participation, representing a diverse cross-section of the mining, engineering, construction, and transport industries. Companies from South Africa, China, and other regional markets have also secured exhibition space, underscoring Mine Entra’s international appeal.
Last year’s edition attracted 289 exhibitors, a notable increase from the previous year and a strong sign of the sector’s recovery and optimism. Organisers say they are on course to match — and possibly exceed — that milestone in 2025.
Beyond the deals and displays, Mine Entra has become a stage for the exchange of ideas — a space where innovation meets opportunity. It serves as a barometer of Zimbabwe’s industrial progress and a reminder of the nation’s potential to harness its mineral wealth responsibly and sustainably.
As the countdown begins, excitement continues to build among exhibitors, investors, and stakeholders alike. Mine Entra 2025 promises not only to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions but also to reinforce Zimbabwe’s position as a key player in Africa’s mining future — one that looks beyond extraction and toward lasting prosperity.
