From 23-27 April 2024, the Zimbabwe Country Office (COZW) successfully participated in the 2024 chapter of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. Officially opened by Dr William Ruto, President of Kenya, the ZITF was a priceless opportunity for the Bank to exhibit its products and services and demonstrate its commitment to working closely with Zimbabwe's private sector. The event was also a good opportunity for economic diplomacy as most senior government officials -- from the Presidium, to ministers, permanent secretaries, and embassies including the UK, the EU and the US also participated. COZW showcased the Bank's major achievements and projects over several years, enhancing Bank brand visibility among the many attendees of the week-long exhibition.

The visit by the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Constantino Chiwenga was a highlight of the COZW's participation. He spent some time at the AfDB stand engaging officials on what the Bank is doing in Zimbabwe and discussing new areas of interventions where the government wants to see the Bank actively involved and taking a leading role. The Vice President urged the Bank to provide more support to the country on infrastructure projects, mainly roads and rail. He also asked the Zimbabwe private sector to work more closely with the Bank on these infrastructure projects using the corridor approach. The Bank team committed to engaging the Vice President further on these projects, especially the rail opportunities.

From its humble beginnings in 1986, the ZITF has become one of the largest inter-regional annual trade fairs in Southern Africa, providing governments, the private sector, development partners, research entities, academia, and the public a platform for trade exchange opportunities in the SADC region.

For COZW, this was its first time exhibiting at the ZITF and the business community's response was very encouraging. About 200 people, mainly SMEs, women in business, municipalities, embassies, development partners, government officials, made enquiries at the Bank's stand, showing huge interest in the products and services offered by the Bank.

A total of 624 exhibitors representing 27 countries participated in the event. Of these, 136 (including the Bank) were first-time exhibitors.

In conclusion, the close collaboration among exhibitors -- including the Bank Group, the government of Zimbabwe, and the private sector, coupled with the positive response from visitors to this 64th edition of the ZITF, made the event a resounding success, evidenced by the oversubscribed local and foreign exhibitor participation.

Given the positive feedback, level of engagement with various stakeholders and the interest shown in Bank products and services, COZW plans to participate in future chapters of the ZITF.