Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
BULAWAYO – IN preparation for the upcoming 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair slated for September in Algeria, local trade promotion body, ZIMTRADE, hosted a meeting in Bulawayo this Thursday to prepare local businesses for the fair.
Leveraging on the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), Zimbabwe is targeting to enhance trade relations with other African nations that are set to partake at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair.
“The Intra-African Trade Fair is a platform where all African countries come together to share ideas and address challenges related to integration in trade across the continent. It offers a rare opportunity for collaboration, innovation and expansion into new markets,” ZIMTRADE Chief Executive Officer and IATF Ambassador, Mr Allan Majuru, said.
The meeting also prepared local companies on how to gather market intelligence that can position the country as one of Africa’s top source markets at the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair, where over 70 countries participate.
“For Zimbabwean companies to succeed in regional markets, we must understand our strengths and align our offerings with market demands. This fair allows us to identify trends, gather vital market intelligence, and prepare our businesses to scale up across the continent,” Mr Mujuru noted.
With the Intra-African Trade Fair providing a unique platform to tap into opportunities presented by the African continent, Algeria is also targeting to leverage on the fair to broaden relations with Zimbabwe.
“The Intra-African Trade Fair provides a unique platform to expand African investment and attract global partners. Algeria enjoys warm relations with Zimbabwe, and we hope to further deepen our economic cooperation at this important event,” Ambassador of Algeria to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mohammed Seoudi said.
For the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair, Zimbabwe is targeting the participation of at least 25 Zimbabwean companies with the aim of generating a minimum of US$50 million in confirmed business deals.
