By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BEITBRIDGE needs a permanent exhibition ground, Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta has said.
He made the remarks at the 2026 edition of the Beitbdidge Expo.
Mafuta said the annual event has outgrown its current venue as interest from exhibitors and visitors continues to grow.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network after touring exhibition stands on the second day of the expo, Mafuta said the event has evolved into one of Beitbridge’s most important economic platforms, bringing together entrepreneurs, government departments, financial institutions, educational institutions and investors.
“This expo has become a symbol of Beitbridge’s economic potential. Every year we are seeing more exhibitors, more visitors and more opportunities being created. It is clear that the current venue can no longer accommodate the growth of this event,” he said.
The Beitbridge Business Expo has secured 26 hectares of land along the Beitbridge–Bulawayo Road, opposite Mabidi Suburb, for permanent showgrounds.
Of the total land, 13 hectares have been officially allocated to the Beitbridge Business Expo, while the remainder has been reserved for complementary development.
The Municipality of Beitbridge and the Beitbridge Business Expo organising committee partnered to establish a world-class exhibition facility similar to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
The project is expected to provide a permanent home for the expo while enabling the town to host national trade fairs, agricultural exhibitions, investment conferences and other major events throughout the year.
“A permanent showground will not only accommodate the growing number of exhibitors but will also unlock investment opportunities, create employment and position Beitbridge as a destination for trade, commerce and innovation,” Mafuta said.
The project, he said, aligns with the town’s long-term vision of transforming Beitbridge from a transit town into a thriving production, manufacturing and enterprise hub.
He said the expo provides a vital marketplace where businesses can showcase their products and services, launch new brands, identify customers and establish partnerships.
“Every stand you see here represents an entrepreneur, a company or an institution investing in the future of Beitbridge. When businesses grow, they create jobs, increase economic activity and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
Mafuta also challenged local entrepreneurs to embrace innovation and deliver quality products and services that can compete on national and regional markets.
He applauded the Beitbridge Business Expo organising committee, led by Chairperson Dr Annah Muleya, for consistently growing the event and creating opportunities for businesses from across Zimbabwe.
“The organisers deserve recognition for their vision and commitment. The continued success of this expo demonstrates that Beitbridge is ready to become one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres for trade and investment,” he said.
The 2026 Beitbridge Business Expo has attracted more than 120 exhibitors from across Zimbabwe under the theme “Beitbridge 24/7,” showcasing products, services and innovations while promoting investment, entrepreneurship and economic development.