The inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026 officially opens tomorrow at the Harare International Conference Centre, drawing more than 1,000 delegates and 200 exhibitors.

Speaking at a media awareness briefing ahead of the main event, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said a central highlight of the conference will be the official launch of the State of Industry and 2027 Prospects Report.

The publication follows an extensive nationwide research exercise that engaged 2,300 stakeholders, including over 2,000 companies and 229 representatives from government, academia, research institutions, and industry bodies.

Dr Soda stated that the findings evaluate nine critical thematic areas that align directly with the targets of National Development Strategy 2, the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2, and the Local Content Strategy running from 2026 to 2035.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and ZimTrade, the platform brings together regional economic bodies, diplomatic missions, global financial institutions, and private sector enterprises.

Confirmed international participating organisations include the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, COMESA Secretariat, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute, and the World Bank.

Highlighting the scope of the forum, the Minister said the conference serves as a strategic driver to accelerate value addition, import substitution, and export expansion.

“This is the first ever national platform where governments, industry, investors, development partners, and academia converge to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s industrial economy,” he said.

“Industrialisation is a deliberate and structured national development process. It requires sound policies, strategic investments, technological advancements, productive industries, competitive enterprises, and an informed citizenry.”

The Minister called on media practitioners to function as strategic partners by effectively translating policy developments and industrial progress into public understanding and investor confidence.

The conference features high-level policy dialogues, technical sessions, and a three-day national industrial exhibition showcasing domestic manufacturing capabilities across agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and digital technology.

Deliberations will also centre on industrial financing, infrastructure development, regional integration, and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.