The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), a premier business event in the country, has been forced to delay its official opening due to the absence of its guest of honor, Kenyan President William Ruto, whose travel plans were disrupted by severe weather conditions in East Africa.
Originally scheduled for Friday, the 64th edition of the ZITF will now commence its official activities on Saturday at 10 a.m. This change was announced by ZITF board chairman Busisa Moyo during his speech at the Connect Africa Symposium, held at the exhibition center’s Hall 2.
“The official opening of the ZITF has been postponed to Saturday, 27 at 10 a.m., due to the weather conditions faced by the guest of honor who is to open the exhibition,” Moyo explained to attendees. He took the opportunity to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay and appealed to exhibitors and visitors who had planned to leave on Friday to consider extending their stay. “We apologize for that change. However, I am aware that some had made plans to leave tomorrow. If you can stay, we would really appreciate it,” he stated.
Despite the postponement of the official opening, other activities scheduled for Friday will proceed as planned, including a tour of the stands by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This ensures that the fair’s extensive program will continue to offer valuable networking opportunities and showcase the diverse trade and investment prospects within Zimbabwe.
The ZITF, which brings together an extensive range of participants from many businesses and sectors, is well known for its role in promoting trade and investment in Zimbabwe. The occasion offers a forum for regional and global companies to connect, exchange concepts, and establish alliances every year, greatly boosting the country’s economy. Now in its 64th year, the fair continues to emphasize the value of trade shows in fostering business relationships and advancing Zimbabwe’s economic development.