All is set for this year’s Mining, Engineering, Transport Expo (Mine Entra) 2024 to be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, starting on Wednesday.
The prestigious three-day specialised event, which is on its 27th edition will run from Wednesday to Friday under the theme: “Unearthing Success: The Mining Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Nexus.”
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the exhibition which seeks to unveil new opportunities, strengthen value chains, drive innovation and promote industrialisation in the mining sector and related industries.
The highly anticipated prime specialised international exhibition had been postponed from its usual July slot as it had potential conflicts with the SADC Industrialisation Week.
Giving an update in a statement yesterday, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said 254 direct exhibitors have taken up 8 406 square metres of exhibition space.
“All is set for the 27th edition of Zimbabwe’s premier Mine Entra, taking place in a few days. Our teams and service providers are on the ground putting final touches to preparations to ensure that we deliver a seamless experience for our exhibitors, buyers and delegates.
“We expect our out-of-town exhibitors to start arriving this weekend and we are ready to receive them. The exhibition performance has already surpassed the previous year’s edition, with 8 406 square metres of exhibition space taken up by 254 direct exhibitors, representing a notable increase from the 6 544 square metres occupied by 204 exhibitors at the final tally for Mine Entra 2023,” he said.
He said Mine Entra 2024 is also set to have a stronger international presence, as to date 19 international exhibitors have signed up, representing four foreign nations — China, the DRC, India and South Africa. Dr Ndebele said this was an increase from the 12 international exhibitors from three countries in the previous edition.
He added: “We are excited to explore how the mining sector, together with the engineering and transport industries, can continue to drive industrialisation through value chain development, ensuring that Zimbabwe and indeed Africa maximises the potential of its vast mineral resources.”
Dr Ndebele said Mine Entra 2024 was more than just an exhibition, it was a platform where local and international industry leaders, investors and stakeholders come together to explore advancements, seize opportunities, and address challenges that their sectors face.
He said over the coming few days, participants will engage in high-impact programming that highlights how innovation and collaboration can unlock success across the mining value chains.
The event highlights on day 1, Wednesday, Mine Entra kicks off with the Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, organised by the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe.
Dr Ndebele said this year’s forum was focused on maximising the contribution of the mining industry through local content and various policymakers and industry leaders will speak to these issues.
“The Mine Entra Buyers Speed Networking sessions will take place on the afternoon of the same day. Here buyers from mining companies will be assigned a series of brief, timed meetings to connect with suppliers to explore possible business exchanges.
“The day will culminate with the Mine Entra Welcome Cocktail in the evening, where networking and relationship-building will take centre stage,” he said.
He said on day 2, the Mine Entra Conference and Official Opening will take place on Thursday, with discussions on sustainable mining practices, technological innovations, and investment opportunities across Africa.
Dr Ndebele said they are honoured to have President Mnangagwa deliver the keynote address and officially open the exhibition.
He said: “On Day 3, the conference diary will round off with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Small Scale and Artisanal Miners Conference on Friday, which aims to bring attention to the crucial role played by small-scale miners in our economy. Simultaneously, the Mine Entra Charity Golf Challenge and the Mine Entra Charity Golf Cocktail will be held at the Bulawayo Golf Club.”
Dr Ndebele said on behalf of the ZITF Company they would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made Mine Entra 2024 possible.
He said this includes the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Chamber of Mines, the Mine Entra Working Committee, all their sponsors and exhibitors, and of course, the entire ZITF team, whose hard work and dedication are reflected in the seamless organisation of the event.
“We deeply appreciate your undisputed commitment and consistent support to ensuring that Mine Entra continues to be a benchmark platform for mining innovation, investment, and industrialisation.” Mining has been a crucial driving force in Zimbabwe’s economy, making a significant impact by contributing 13 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the past few years.
Furthermore, it has been a major contributor to the country’s export earnings, accounting for a staggering 60 percent of its total exports.
In December last year, the mining industry generated more than US$20 billion from mineral exports since 2017 making it the biggest contributor of foreign currency.
The Government achieved and exceeded the mining US$12 billion industry target between 2018 and December 2023.