Story by Fungai Jachi
MASVINGO has become the focal point of Zimbabwe’s disability inclusion agenda as the National Disability Expo gets underway, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, organisations and government departments to showcase the talents, innovations and economic potential of persons with disabilities.
Held at Mucheke Stadium, the expo has transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and empowerment, with participants from all 10 provinces demonstrating that disability is not inability.
The event provides a platform for persons with disabilities to exhibit products, services and assistive technologies while connecting with potential markets, investors and development partners.
From agriculture and manufacturing to information and communication technology (ICT), education and crafts, exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of skills and enterprises aimed at promoting economic independence and inclusive development.
For many participants, the expo presents an opportunity to expand their businesses and increase visibility at a national level.
“I want to utilise this opportunity to grow my business because this is a national event and many people will see what I do. My hope is to assist fellow persons with disabilities by providing devices at affordable prices,” exhibitor Mr Moses Chitombo said.
“We are using this platform to offer free consultations on disability issues while also marketing our work. We manufacture assistive devices for people living with various disabilities,” exhibitor Ms Ophia Bwanali said.
“As parents of children with disabilities, we ventured into farming and value addition of our produce. We hope that participating in this expo will help us grow our market. We are also grateful for the inclusivity agenda, which is empowering persons with disabilities,” exhibitor Mrs Anna Chazireni said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, said hosting the event reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Masvingo hosting this expo demonstrates that development must leave no one behind. Government’s intention is to create an inclusive economy where persons with disabilities are producers and active participants in economic development, not merely beneficiaries,” he said.
Special Advisor on National Disability Issues, Cde Rose Mpofu, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.
“The Government is determined to ensure that no one is left behind. This expo highlights the milestones we have achieved in empowering persons with disabilities. We expect the event to deliver tangible benefits to participants and communities,” she said.
Beyond the exhibitions, the expo features skills development programmes, employment linkages and awareness campaigns on disability rights. Organisers say the initiative seeks to break stigma while connecting persons with disabilities to markets, funding opportunities and employment.
As the National Disability Expo continues, stakeholders are calling for stronger partnerships to ensure persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and can fully contribute to national development.
