ZIMBABWE’S mining, engineering and transport exhibition, Mine Entra, is set for an expanded 2026 edition as the country seeks to leverage its vast mineral resources for industrialisation and economic growth. Organised by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company in partnership with the Mines ministry and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, the annual event has evolved beyond a traditional trade exhibition into a strategic platform for investment promotion, technological innovation and business networking. Scheduled to be held in Bulawayo from July 29 to 31, the expo is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors, including international participants, and over 10 000 business visitors from across the region. The expo will place strong emphasis on mineral beneficiation, value addition, local supplier development and the adoption of modern mining technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Under the theme “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains”, the exhibition aims to connect investors, mining companies, manufacturers, service providers and policymakers while fostering discussions that can translate into concrete investments and business partnerships. In this interview, ZITF Company chief executive officer Nicholas Ndebele (NN) speaks to our assistant editor Mthandazo Nyoni (MN) about the event’s objectives, opportunities and expected impact. Find excerpts from their discussion below:
MN: What are the key objectives for this year’s Mine Entra, and what outcomes does ZITF Company hope to achieve?
NN: When most people hear the words “mining exhibition”, they imagine rows of heavy machinery, hard hats and technical presentations.
But Mine Entra has become much more than that. It seeks to position mining as business for everyone principally because it represents a crucial pillar of the Zimbabwean economy. The sector directly contributes approximately 12% to 15,4% to the gross domestic product (GDP), consistently ranking as the leading or second-largest contributing industry alongside manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development.
The Mine Entra platform represents one of Zimbabwe’s biggest meeting places for investors, innovators, policymakers, suppliers and entrepreneurs, all looking for the next opportunity in the mining value chain.
All accounts suggest that this year’s edition is poised to be even bigger. Mine Entra 2026 aims to showcase not just Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, but the enormous business opportunities that exist beyond simply digging minerals out of the ground.
MN: How many exhibitors are you targeting?
NN: This year, we are targeting over 500 exhibitors, including international exhibitors while expecting more than 10 000 business visitors to walk through the exhibition halls. But success won’t simply be measured by the number of stands or visitors. The real goal is to see conversations turn into deals and introductions become investments.
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MN: How will Mine Entra support Zimbabwe’s drive for mineral beneficiation, value addition and increased local production?
NN: The theme says it all: “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation through Mining Value Chains”. In simple terms, the message is clear; Zimbabwe has long exported raw minerals, leaving much of the value creation to other countries. The country should value add and beneficiate — process them, manufacture products from them, and create jobs and industries along the way. The goal is simple: keep more of the economic value within Zimbabwe and create more jobs along the way.
We are also convening dedicated policy and technical discussions through the concurrent conferences and seminars such as the Beneficiation and Value Addition Symposium, which will focus on opportunities, challenges, and government strategy around mineral processing and value addition.
Third, the overall structure of Mine Entra is meant to promote dialogue that will facilitate the translation of policy priorities into investable projects and practical supply-chain solutions.
In short, the exhibition will connect mining companies with processors, manufacturers, equipment suppliers and service providers while hosting dedicated discussions on beneficiation and value addition.
MN: With technology and equipment challenges affecting mining, how is Mine Entra helping companies access new innovations?
NN: Technology will also take centre stage this year. Mining across the world is evolving rapidly. AI, automation, digital monitoring systems, and smart equipment are transforming how mines operate, making them safer, more efficient, and more profitable.
Zimbabwe cannot afford to be left behind. Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of these technologies up close, speak directly with companies developing them, and explore how they can improve local operations.
Instead of simply reading about innovation, businesses will be able to experience it firsthand.
MN: How is ZITF Company ensuring that local suppliers, SMEs and mining service providers benefit from the exhibition?
NN: Mine Entra isn’t only for large mining corporations. Small businesses, local manufacturers, engineering firms, transport companies and service providers all have a role to play.
In fact, it is one big, beautiful mining show for everyone. One of our biggest priorities is ensuring that local suppliers become part of Zimbabwe’s growing mining value chain rather than watching from the sidelines.
Special networking sessions and business matchmaking events are designed to connect SMEs with larger companies that are looking for products and services. For many local businesses, one meeting at Mine Entra could lead to a contract that transforms their future.
Additionally, side events such as the Suppliers, Energy and Infrastructure Symposium are intended to put supplier development, local content, and economic empowerment at the centre of the conversation. That ensures all players, including SMEs are participating not only commercially, but strategically as part of the broader transformation of Zimbabwe’s mining value chains.
MN: Beyond the exhibition, how does ZITF Company measure Mine Entra’s impact in attracting investment and creating business opportunities?
NN: While exhibitor numbers and visitor attendance are important, success will ultimately be measured by the quality of business generated. We will track investment discussions, buyer-supplier connections, strategic partnerships, and participant feedback to determine whether Mine Entra has delivered real commercial value rather than simply attracting crowds.
MN: What major trends in the global mining industry do you expect to shape discussions at this year’s expo?
NN: Beyond the exhibition floor, discussions will focus on some of the biggest issues shaping global mining today. Investors increasingly want projects that meet strong environmental, social and governance standards. Reliable electricity, transport infrastructure, and logistics are becoming just as important as the minerals themselves.
Meanwhile, the global demand for critical minerals continues to create fresh opportunities for countries such as Zimbabwe. These conversations are not just academic. They will influence investment decisions worth millions of dollars.
