Government Commends Progress on Strategic ZITF Fairgrounds Retail Centre Project in Bulawayo
By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Government of Zimbabwe has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Fairgrounds Retail Centre in Bulawayo, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure and economic development drive.
Speaking to the media following a comprehensive tour of the construction site, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Soda Zhemu, commended the project operators and contractors for keeping the massive venture on track.
”We are happy with the progress on the construction of the ZITF Fairgrounds Retail Centre here in Bulawayo,” Minister Zhemu stated. “We have been given the latest update regarding the progress, and the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.”
Once fully completed, the multi-million-dollar ZITF Fairgrounds commercial master plan will feature a state-of-the-art mixed-use facility. The multi-faceted complex comprises two modern hotels, a world-class shopping mall, an expansive food court, an international convention centre, and a full-service petroleum service station.
The project is poised to serve as a vital catalyst for local economic transformation and employment generation. During the construction phase through to full operationalization, the venture is expected to create over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, providing crucial livelihoods for residents in Bulawayo and the broader Zimbabwean public.
Beyond direct economic empowerment, the strategic infrastructure will drastically elevate Bulawayo’s regional profile as a premier destination for business tourism and industrial exhibitions. The modern venue will complement the existing ZITF infrastructure, enhancing capacity and convenience for international exhibitors, local businesses, and visitors during the annual premier showcase and other major global conferences.
The successful execution of the ZITF Fairgrounds Retail Centre underlines the Government’s commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure, driving investment into Bulawayo, and supporting national development targets under Vision 2030.
