Bulawayo Businesses Set for IATF2025 Briefing as ZimTrade Ramps Up Continental Trade Drive
Written by Skyz Metro FM on June 3, 2025
03 June 2025
By Charity Chikara
Local companies in Bulawayo are expected to receive a major boost tomorrow as ZimTrade hosts a strategic breakfast meeting designed to prepare them for participation in the 4th Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF2025), taking place this September in Algeria.
The event is the first in a nationwide campaign to mobilise Zimbabwean businesses for Africa’s flagship trade and investment exhibition, which is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union (AU), and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Speaking ahead of the engagement, ZimTrade Southern Region Manager Jacqueline Nyathi said the session would demystify the IATF platform and provide a clear roadmap for businesses eager to expand into African markets.
“Most of the time, companies assume platforms like IATF are reserved for large corporates or exporters only. This is not true. The IATF is a continental platform open to all sectors and business sizes from SMEs to established exporters. The goal is to expand intra-African trade,” she said.
Nyathi explained that tomorrow’s meeting would bring together government stakeholders, development partners, and Afreximbank officials to share practical steps on how local companies can register, exhibit, and align their operations with continental trade opportunities.
“We will walk participants through the registration process, outline costs and how they can access support, and also share insights on how they can position their businesses for maximum exposure. It’s not just about exhibiting, it’s about leveraging AfCFTA to build meaningful trade relationships,” she said.
IATF2025 is expected to attract over 2,000 exhibitors and more than 35,000 visitors from 75 countries, offering a unique platform for trade promotion, investment matchmaking, and cross-border business networking.
Zimbabwean companies have performed well at previous editions of the trade fair, securing deals worth over US$20 million. With AfCFTA now opening more markets through reduced tariffs and harmonised trade rules, this year’s edition is viewed as a critical opportunity for growth.
“We are already seeing growing demand for Zimbabwean products in markets such as Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea. Through platforms like IATF, we can build on that momentum and help local businesses access more predictable, larger markets,” said Nyathi.
ZimTrade, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, continues to champion Zimbabwean exports through trade missions, capacity building, and market research across key African economies.
“We are not just telling businesses to export, we are holding their hands through the journey. Our trade missions, such as those to Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, have already opened doors. IATF2025 is the next strategic step for those serious about scaling up,” she added.
Nyathi urged Bulawayo businesses to take full advantage of the engagement, calling it a gateway to new markets and long-term growth.
“Opportunities are there, but only those who show up will benefit. This meeting is about unlocking real possibilities for Zimbabwean businesses,” she said.