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About ZICE 2026

Zimbabwe's premier industrialisation platform — a national deal-making and investment facilitation conference hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe's historic industrial capital.

"Zimbabwe's industrial transformation is no longer an aspiration — it is a necessity."

Date
23–24 July 2026
Venue
HICC, Harare
Expected Audience
1,000+ Industry Leaders
Registration Open
2
Days of Content
23–24 July 2026
1,000+
Industry Leaders
Delegates expected
500+
Exhibitors
Expo floor spaces
US$12B
Manufacturing Target
Vision 2030 goal

What is ZICE?

Made in Zimbabwe. For the World.

The Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE) 2026 is a premier, market-driven platform designed to unlock investment, catalyse industrial partnerships, and accelerate Zimbabwe's transition into a competitive manufacturing and industrial economy.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS), and hosted at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Harare — Zimbabwe's historic industrial hub — the inaugural edition is framed not as a talk shop, but as a practical deal-making and investment facilitation platform centred on execution, financing, and partnerships.

The conference connects policymakers, investors, industrialists, financiers, technology providers, development partners, the diaspora, and trade partners around bankable projects, value-chain development, and global competitiveness — translating Zimbabwe's industrial policy into concrete action.

Why It Matters

A Strategic Platform for Industrial Transformation

The conference provides a strategic platform for accelerating Zimbabwe's industrial transformation and supporting the country's vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy through industrialisation, value addition, innovation, and manufacturing growth.

Policy Into Action
Moving beyond formulation to implementation of NDS2 and ZNIDP II through actionable recommendations and partnerships.
Investment Facilitation
Showcasing investment-ready manufacturing projects and promoting dialogue between financiers, investors, and government to unlock industrial funding.
Technology & Innovation
Driving technology adoption, digital transformation, and technology transfer to improve productivity and competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Green Manufacturing
Ensuring future industrial growth is environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient — improving resource efficiency while supporting economic growth.
Localisation & Value Addition
Strengthening domestic value chains, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and increasing value retention within the economy.
AfCFTA & Regional Markets
Positioning Zimbabwean manufacturers to access a market of over one billion consumers and participate in African regional value chains.

Conference Themes

Key Discussion Areas

01
Industrialisation Momentum
Zimbabwe is witnessing renewed industrial activity — business expansion, retooling, new investments, and growth in iron and steel, food processing, mining beneficiation, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
02
Investment & Financing
Access to affordable and long-term finance remains critical. The conference will facilitate dialogue between financiers, investors, industry leaders, and government to unlock funding for industrial growth.
03
Technology Transfer & Innovation
Technology adoption enables industries to improve efficiency, reduce production costs, enhance product quality, and compete effectively in regional and global markets.
04
Localisation & Value Addition
Localisation reduces import dependence, creates jobs, strengthens domestic industries, and increases value retention within the economy through stronger domestic value chains.
05
Green Manufacturing
Green manufacturing improves resource efficiency, reduces environmental impacts, enhances competitiveness, and supports sustainable economic growth aligned with global standards.
06
AfCFTA & Regional Trade
A stronger manufacturing sector enables Zimbabwean firms to increase exports, participate in regional value chains, and access a market of over one billion consumers across Africa.
07
Job Creation & Inclusive Growth
Industrial growth stimulates employment across manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, mining, and services — creating opportunities for SMEs, youth, and women entrepreneurs.
08
US$12 Billion Manufacturing Economy
Achieving this target requires coordinated action involving government, industry, investors, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector.

Headline Event

Presidential Dialogue

One of the major highlights of ZICE 2026 is the Presidential Dialogue — a plenary session with the Head of State and Government, H.E. Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, his cabinet ministers, and heads of state institutions including:

  • Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
  • Mutapa Investment Fund
  • ZimTrade
  • Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA)

This session is specifically aimed at addressing impediments affecting industrial competitiveness and ensuring government-to-industry dialogue at the highest level.

Audience

Who Will Be in the Room?

Government ministers & senior officials
Local and international investors
Manufacturers & industrialists
Banking & financial services leaders
Technology and innovation providers
Development agencies & NGOs
Research institutions & universities
SMEs, entrepreneurs & innovators
Diaspora investors
Trade & export partners

The Expo

Exhibition Floor

Alongside the high-level conference, ZICE 2026 features a major industrial exhibition at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds. The expo showcases investment opportunities across manufacturing value chains including:

Mineral Beneficiation
Agro-Processing
Iron & Steel
Pharmaceuticals
Food Processing
Manufacturing
Renewable Energy
Digital Technology
Logistics & Infrastructure

The expo facilitates business-to-business engagements, partnerships, and direct investor-to-industry connections. Expo visitor access is free of charge.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who hosts ZICE 2026?
ZICE 2026 is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and ZimTrade.
Where and when is ZICE 2026?
ZICE 2026 takes place on 23–24 July 2026 at the HICC, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Is visiting the expo free?
Yes. Access to the exhibition floor is completely free of charge for all visitors.
How do I register as a conference delegate?
Visit the registration page at aedsafrica.com/register-for-zice-2026 and complete the online form. You will receive instant email confirmation.
How can my organisation become a sponsor?
Complete the sponsorship enquiry form at aedsafrica.com/zimbabwe-industrialisation-conference-expo-sponsorship-form or contact Ms Pretty Nyathi directly.
How do I book exhibition space?
Visit aedsafrica.com/become-an-exhibitor-zice-2026 and complete the exhibitor application form. Our team will respond within 24 hours.
What sectors will be represented at the expo?
Sectors include mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technology, and logistics.
What is the Presidential Dialogue?
A headline plenary session involving H.E. President E.D. Mnangagwa, cabinet ministers, and heads of key state institutions, focused on addressing impediments to industrial competitiveness.
Ready to be part of Zimbabwe's industrial future?
Join 1,000+ delegates, exhibitors, investors and policymakers at ZICE 2026.