Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. ZIMBABWE is positioning itself as a rising trade hub ahead of September’s International Africa Fair Trade 2025 (IAFT2025) in Algeria, capitalising on its strategic location, abundant natural resources and skilled workforce.
“Zimbabwe’s strategic location coupled with our rich natural resources and vibrant entrepreneurial well-skilled positions has made it a key player in the African trade arena,” said Judith Ncube, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, during a breakfast meeting held in Bulawayo on Thursday.
“The IAFT will allow us to showcase these strengths, attract investment, and build new trade partnerships to drive national growth.”
The meeting was organised by ZimTrade to equip local businesses with essential information on participating in the IATF2025.
“In 2024, the country’s total exports amounted to approximately US$7,4 billion, while imports stood at around US$9,5 billion, reflecting the country’s economic resilience and potential,” Ncube said.
“At the beginning of this year, we signed two critical agreements aimed at upgrading the Beira Corridor and the North-South Corridor—key steps towards bolstering regional integration.”
Ncube said such developments exemplify the government’s commitment to promoting trade.
“As we prepare for the IATF2025, I encourage all stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to the success of this initiative. Let us work together to showcase the best of Zimbabwe, demonstrating our commitment to economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development,” she said.
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank, the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the IATF brings together over 2 000 exhibitors from 75 countries, offering unmatched opportunities for trade, investment matchmaking, and business networking.
Zimbabwe has a strong track record at previous IATF editions, securing trade deals worth over US$20 million.
Algeria’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mohamed Seoudi, said his nation is determined to strengthen trade relations with Zimbabwe.
“The African Trade Fair is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment and production exchange in support of increased inter-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” he said.
Seoudi said the IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent.
“It also provides a platform to share key market insights with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting inter-African trade and investment,” he added.
“In addition to African participants, the trade fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business with Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.”
Seoudi said the IATF is a platform for boosting trade and investment in Africa and aims to tap into opportunities arising from the AfCFTA.
The IAFT2025 will be held in Algeria from September 4 to 10.
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