By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BEITBRIDGE — Beitbridge is positioning itself to become Southern Africa’s next major trade hub, with plans underway to build a world-class show-ground that will rival, and possibly surpass Bulawayo‘s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds.
The ambitious project is being spearheaded by the Beitbridge Business Expo (BBE) in collaboration with the Municipality of Beitbridge.
It is set to transform the border town into a visionary centre for trade, investment, tourism and innovation.
Speaking at the Beitbridge Business Expo fundraising dinner on Saturday, Beitbridge Expo Chairperson Dr. Anna Muleya said the event aimed to raise funds to turn the long-held dream of a permanent exhibition centre into reality.
“Our dream is to have a world-class showground with modern and permanent infrastructure — to the level of ZITF, and even better,” said Dr. Muleya.
“It will be a vibrant hub for exhibitions, business networking, and creativity where farmers, entrepreneurs, and artists showcase their talents.”
“Beitbridge is not waiting for development we are building it ourselves,” Dr. Muleya said in closing.
“This project is our declaration that Beitbridge is ready to take its place among the great trade cities of Africa.”
The proposed Beitbridge Showgrounds, to be built along the Bulawayo Road a few kilometres from the boarder post, will feature 188 exhibition stands measuring 5×5 metres and 20 larger stands of 10×10 metres, as well as an administration block, central arena, children’s play area, and agribusiness pens.
Expo Vice Chairperson Nqobile Ncube confirmed the groundwork has already begun.
“Land has been cleared, a borehole has been drilled, and a cottage is already in place,” he said.
“With your support, this vision will become reality, taking Beitbridge’s business landscape to greater heights. These stands are up for grabs we want everyone to be part of this journey.”
Ncube urged the business community to “buy into the dream” and help transform Beitbridge into a thriving economic hub.
In her remarks, BBE board member Nompumelelo Chigwinya described Beitbridge as “the town that never sleeps,” powered by the country’s busiest border post and a fast-growing Special Economic Zone.
“Beitbridge’s economy is driven by freight, logistics, cross-border trade, and manufacturing,” said Chigwinya.
“Our theme, Beitbridge 24/7, captures the spirit of this town — a place where business, innovation, and opportunity never stop.”
She said the Expo’s mission goes beyond business exhibitions, aiming to educate, empower, and connect the community while creating opportunities for young people through career guidance, entrepreneurship training, drug and substance abuse awareness, and leadership development.
The annual Beitbridge Business Expo, which has been hosted at Dulibadzimu Stadium, continues to grow in scale, attracting both local and international exhibitors.
“Our Expo is about transformation, We are connecting Beitbridge to the changing global economy while shaping mindsets and building a new generation of innovators,” she says
The Expo has also gained recognition for its community initiatives such as the Cookout Competition, whose 2023 winner represented Zimbabwe in the United Kingdom.
Chigwinya added that the Expo is a community-owned initiative, with all assets belonging to the town and the Municipality acting as custodian. The board comprises 10 professionals from various sectors, led by Dr. Muleya a multi-award-winning businesswoman.
“Every brick, every idea, every plan belongs to the people of Beitbridge,” said Chigwinya.
Board member Dr. Felix Venge commended the teamwork behind the project, saying the Beitbridge Business Expo board members share a united dream of transforming the border town into a world-class commercial hub.
“We will not walk alone in building our theatre of dreams,” he said.
“We are the citizens of Beitbridge when we win, we celebrate as one.”
Honouring Beitbridge’s Achievers
The fundraising dinner also recognised 11 Development Champions who have contributed significantly to Beitbridge’s growth.
Melody Mabonga received an award for sponsoring youth sports and girl-child empowerment.
Aokleigh House and Beitbridge Government Primary School were recognised for excellence in education and infrastructure, supported by Zebra Hilltop Lodge.
Zimborders won for infrastructure development.
Vhembe Stars Academ and Ronnies’ Sports Arena were honoured for sports development.
Blue Villa Lodge received the Hospitality and Accommodation Award.
Tripple T College and Zezani High School were honoured for academic and sporting excellence, with Zezani’s U17 soccer team representing the province nationally.
Terry Enterprises earned the Entrepreneurship Award for constructing Beitbridge’s first zipline.
As Beitbridge takes decisive steps toward establishing a permanent trade exhibition hub, its leaders are united in transforming the border town into a regional powerhouse of commerce, tourism, and innovation.