Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan has delivered measurable benefits across tourism, trade, and investment sectors, government and industry officials say.
The six-month event, held from April to October 2025, provided a global platform for countries to showcase economic opportunities, technological innovation, and cultural assets. Zimbabwe’s delegation included President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who attended the Zimbabwe National Day at the exhibition and highlighted the country’s strategic opportunities.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer and Zimbabwe’s commissioner-general for the Expo, Mr Allan Majuru, said the event improved international perceptions of Zimbabwe and opened channels for economic engagement.
“One key aspect that is often overlooked is brand perception, how Zimbabwe is viewed globally. Expo 2025 Osaka gave us an opportunity to tell the world what Zimbabwe is all about. Recently, tourism has been on the rise, and one of the main reasons for our participation in Osaka was to promote the tourism sector,” he said.
Data from ZimTrade indicates that value-added exports rose by 29% following the Expo, reflecting the government’s continued focus on diversifying the economy through industrialisation and enhanced export performance.
President Mnangagwa used the Expo platform to underscore Zimbabwe’s readiness to attract foreign investment, noting the country’s policy measures to support business and economic growth.
Officials emphasised that sustaining the momentum from Expo 2025 Osaka will require coordinated action by institutions including ZIDA, ZimTrade, and other development agencies to convert international exposure into long-term economic outcomes.
