Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
BULAWAYO is set to host the 2026 Mining, Engineering and Transport Exhibition (Mine Entra), with more than 250 exhibitors from over 20 countries expected to participate in the country’s flagship mining expo.
The exhibition opens this Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES), with organisers promising an expanded programme focused on investment, innovation and mineral value addition.
Exhibition halls were a hive of activity on Tuesday as stand designers completed preparations ahead of the official opening.
“We are doing final touches so that everything is in place when the expo commences tomorrow,” one stand designer said.
Another added: “We are working round the clock putting up final touches, ensuring everything is ready for the commencement of the country’s biggest Mining, Engineering and Transport Exhibition.”
A third said exhibitors were aiming to match the event’s ambitions.
“As stand designers, we are bringing our A game, making sure exhibition stands are in line with this year’s theme.”
Mine Entra brings together local, regional and international stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment across Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager at the ZITF Company, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, said this year’s exhibition will feature a broader programme and stronger industry participation.
“We have over 250 exhibitors that have confirmed participation. We have about 20 countries represented this year. The main highlights of this year’s edition are that the Chamber of Mines is also a key partner. We have a richer programme that includes several symposiums.”
The symposiums will focus on strategies to promote value addition and beneficiation by processing raw minerals into finished products within Zimbabwe.
Running under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains,” the exhibition is expected to drive investment across the mining value chain.
International exhibitor Ms Amanda Hu said the event presents an opportunity to deepen business ties with Zimbabwe.
“We are here to explore ways to strengthen our economic ties with Zimbabwe, especially in the mining sector.”
First-time exhibitor Mr Laston Murerwa said the company hopes to establish new partnerships during the exhibition.
“We are exhibiting for the first time here, and we are looking forward to establishing relations with players in the mining sector.”
As Mine Entra opens its doors on Wednesday, Bulawayo will once again become a focal point for discussions on mining, engineering and transport, with the exhibition expected to showcase Zimbabwe’s investment opportunities and its drive to build value-added mineral industries.
