Story by Oleen Ndori
THE President of Botswana, His Excellency Duma Boko will headline this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
Speaking during this week’s Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, said the fair will continue to promote intra-African trade in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The build-up to the 2026 ZITF includes ongoing comprehensive stakeholder engagements encompassing private sector and local embassies to promote broader participation. Strategic discussions are also underway with air services such as Air Zimbabwe, Fast Jet, and Ethopian Airlines, among others, to facilitate increased flight frequency for seamless movement of delegates and exhibitors during the ZITF period.
“Cabinet noted that a total of 520 exhibitors have registered, surpassing the 486 who participated in 2025, with 72 exhibitors coming for the first time. A total space of 49 100 m2 representing 93% of the total available exhibition space has been booked. Additionally, foreign participation is positive with more than 33 international exhibitors from 16 different countries in the region and beyond confirmed, compared to the 17 recorded in 2025,” he said.
Updates on infrastructure and housing pillars of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) were also given.
“The construction of the first phase of the 20 MW Dinson Thermal Power Plant (Coke Oven Gas) in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province has been completed. Construction of Thermal Power in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province which has reached 90% of completion, with the structural and mechanical works in progress,” Minister Soda said.
The need to continue reducing the housing backlog, also took centre stage during this week’s cabinet session.
“The construction works at the Marondera Dombotombo Flats housing project and the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe Mutawatawa Waiting Mothers Shelter in Mashonaland East Province are nearing completion. Construction works for the Beitbridge Redevelopment Housing Project Phase 1 and Refurbishment of 34 houses close to the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations venue in Matabeleland South Province are nearing completion, while construction at the Makonde Heights Housing Development project in Mashonaland West Province is underway,” Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Professor Paul Mavima said.
The National Formalisation Strategy was also considered and approved by Cabinet.
“Zimbabwe’s National Formalisation Strategy aims to provide workers and businesses with social security, labour rights and financial services, and to address issues including lack of protection, unsafe workplace conditions, low incomes, and limited voices. The strategy also seeks to create a clear pathway for the promotion of small and medium enterprises by removing barriers and simplifying their registration and financing,” Dr Soda said.
“The eight strategic priorities include macroeconomic policies for employment, regulatory review, enterprise development, market and finance access, strengthening representation, and supporting marginalised groups, especially youth, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans of the Liberation Struggle. The implementation of the Strategy will involve coordinated funding from Government, development partners, the private sector and social security institutions, guided by a detailed plan to monitor and evaluate progress.
Following the tragic accident on April 2 that claimed six Mujuru family members, Cabinet expressed its deepest condolences to the family, voicing concern over the circulation of road accident scenes on social media platforms, warning the public appropriate measures will be taken against anyone found responsible for such conduct.
