Mnangagwa to Headline Mine Entra Expo
The 27th Mining, Engineering, and Transport Expo (Mine-Entra) will be officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the annual event kicks off next week. The event, rescheduled to October 9-11, was initially postponed last month to accommodate the SADC Industrialisation Week and the subsequent SADC Summit.
By Ryan Chigoche
Organized by the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company, the expo will officially open on October 10, with a theme focused on the mining value chain, innovation, and industrialization. ZITF board chairman Busisa Moyo emphasized the importance of collaboration across all sectors to foster economic growth in Southern Africa.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has long emphasized the importance of the mining sector as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and growth. He has often highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing mineral production and attracting foreign investment.
Mnangagwa has also stressed the need for modernization and technological advancements in mining practices to boost efficiency and sustainability at a time when miners are contending with high operational costs.
In recent speeches, he has indicated plans to enhance value addition in the mining industry, urging miners to process more minerals domestically rather than exporting raw materials.
The event will gather local and international leaders, investors, and stakeholders to discuss advancements and challenges in mining. It will kick off with a Mining Industry Suppliers Forum, followed by a conference addressing sustainable practices, technological innovations, and investment opportunities. The event will conclude on October 11 with a conference for small-scale and artisanal miners.
Mine-Entra has established itself as a key platform for showcasing the latest innovations in the mining sector, attracting 250 exhibitors this year, including nine international firms from China, South Africa, and the UK. The mining industry is crucial to Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing over 75% of national export earnings, primarily from gold and platinum.
The expo promises to be a significant event for fostering resource-based industrialization and enhancing Zimbabwe’s mining landscape.