PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is scheduled to officially open the 29th edition of Zimbabwe’s premier mining, engineering and transport exhibition, Mine Entra 2026, in Bulawayo tomorrow.
The move reinforces the Government’s commitment to expand a mining sector that remains the country’s top export earner and a catalyst for industrialisation, investment and economic transformation.
Held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Exhibition Smart City (ZITF Smart City), the exhibition kicked off yesterday and comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to grow mineral production, attract fresh capital, deepen value addition and beneficiation, and strengthen linkages across the mining value chain in pursuit of Vision 2030.
Beyond showcasing mining equipment and technology, Mine Entra has evolved into one of Zimbabwe’s foremost investment and business networking platforms, bringing together mining companies, investors, equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, policymakers, financiers and technology providers to forge partnerships critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Mining is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, driving foreign currency earnings, Government revenue and global supply chains through key resources such as platinum, lithium, gold and chrome.
The sector accounts for 14,5 percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributes about 20 percent of total Government fiscal revenue. During the first half of 2026, mineral exports totalled US$5,52 billion, up from US$3,949 billion during the same period in 2025.
At a media briefing yesterday, ZITF Company chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele confirmed that President Mnangagwa will preside over the official opening ceremony.
“We are honoured to confirm that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, will be the Guest of Honour at Mine Entra 2026. He will be accompanied by Vice President General (Rtd) Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga.
“Key addresses will be delivered by Dr Engineer Polite Kambamura, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Mr Fungai Makoni, President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe; and Dr Isaac Kwesu, chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Ndebele.
The President will also present the Mine Entra 2025 Awards in recognition of outstanding achievements, innovation and excellence across Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Running under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains”, Mine Entra 2026 places collaboration at the centre of efforts to build a competitive and globally integrated mining industry.
Dr Ndebele said Mine Entra has become far more than an annual exhibition, serving as a strategic platform where industry players jointly pursue investment, innovation, technology transfer and stronger local supply chains.
“It is a strategic instrument used to support Zimbabwe’s drive towards mineral beneficiation and value addition as a vehicle for sustainable industrialisation and inclusive economic growth, in line with Vision 2030,” said Dr Ndebele.
He said this year’s theme reflects the industry’s growing emphasis on responsible mining, innovation and value-chain development.
“Mining remains one of Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors, contributing 16 percent to the country’s GDP. With more than 60 known minerals, including gold, platinum, lithium, chrome, coal and rare earth elements, the sector continues to offer major opportunities for investment, exports, industrial growth and job creation.
“The national focus now is to move beyond extraction alone. There is a growing need to build stronger local linkages, adopt appropriate technologies and ensure that mining delivers lasting value for the economy and our communities.”
The exhibition has also recorded strong business interest, reflecting growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s mining industry and the importance of collaboration among producers, suppliers, financiers and technology partners.
Giving an update on preparations, Dr Ndebele said exhibition space uptake had reached 98 percent as of Wednesday, with 8 853 square metres taken up against a target of 9 000 square metres, compared with 7 368 square metres at the same stage last year.
“To date, 276 direct exhibitors have registered for the show compared with 231 direct exhibitors at last year’s Mine Entra. We have 33 foreign exhibitors from eight countries, namely Botswana, China, India, Mauritius, the Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, the United States of America and Zambia.
“This is better than last year’s tally of 231 direct exhibitors, including 20 foreign exhibitors from four countries.”
Business visitor registrations have also surged, highlighting Mine Entra’s growing influence as a platform for investment dialogue and commercial partnerships.
“A total of 6 453 business visitors have registered this year compared with 3 355 who registered and visited the show last year. These business visitors include business executives, engineers, geologists, financiers, Government representatives and other key industry players, indicating strong endorsement by the business community.”
Dr Ndebele said the Mine Entra Buyers Programme will continue to strengthen commercial linkages between mining companies and suppliers.
“We are pleased to note that, for the third year running, the Mine Entra Buyers Programme will run concurrently, with two speed-networking sessions scheduled for July 29 and 30.
“The speed-networking sessions are a hallmark of the Buyers Programme, featuring pre-qualified matchmaking, structured business-to-business meetings and targeted sessions connecting suppliers with procurement decision-makers.
“Buyers from 25 mining houses and other organisations across the mining, engineering and transport sectors have confirmed their participation.”
The Buyers Programme has become one of the exhibition’s flagship business initiatives, creating opportunities for procurement partnerships, supplier development and investment deals that strengthen Zimbabwe’s mining ecosystem.
Over the years, Mine Entra has cemented its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading mining investment platforms, promoting technology adoption, facilitating strategic partnerships and fostering collaboration among Government, mining companies, investors and equipment suppliers to accelerate sustainable growth across the country’s mining value chain.
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