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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The inaugural Beitbridge Business Expo expected to promote investment and the town’s economic growth in line with its transformation into a medium city will be held between July 4 and 6 at Dulivhadzimo Stadium, an official has said.
Beitbridge Expo chairperson Dr Anna Muleya, a renowned businesswoman and proprietor of Lanaheil Investments, said preparations for the event had gathered momentum.

She said they came up with the idea to bring together all captains of industry from here, other parts of the country and South Africa to chart the way forward in developing the town’s industry.

Dr Muleya said the town had been growing rapidly in terms of infrastructure with limited industries mainly those in the services sector.

The Herald understands that, the town has an estimated population of 70 000 people and has investment opportunities in education (primary, secondary and tertiary), imports and exports, manufacturing, car rentals, travel consultants, accommodation, packaging, transport and logistics among others.

“Basically this is an opportunity for all businesses to come through and show case their products and services, and for the people in the community to familiarise with the products and services around them,” said Dr Muleya.

“You will note that in most cases people don’t know where and how to find certain services or products around town. Beitbridge has no industry besides, services only, especially customs clearance.

“Let’s have manufacturing and related industries. In addition, this is an opportunity for people to come through and see what is on offer on the market.

“This event will present a forum for businesses to share ideas on how to grow and expand the industry in Beitbridge.
“We are going to invite exhibitors from all over the country and South Africa”.

Dr Muleya said they had been sending out invites to businesses and potential exhibitors over the past two weeks and that the response was overwhelming.

She said a lot of institutions, among them universities, corporates, parlours, logistics companies and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had shown an interest to take part in the event.

“The response has been very positive. In fact everyone is interested in coming on board. We have had universities, schools, corporates, parlours, SMEs and individuals. We are expecting a full house.

“We are not limiting the type of industries to come through. We want all the progressive minds and businesses to support the initiative,” she said.

She said some invites were being sent out via mainstream and social media platforms.
The businesswoman said SMEs were developing an interest in coming through to showcase their products and that they viewed the expo as an opportunities to learn more on transforming into bigger corporates.

“We are convinced that we will have many exhibitors. This will actually be of great benefit to the residents’ and those people passing through our town.

“In essence, we want to have a situation where children come from schools to learn on prospective employment opportunities and, entrepreneurship among other related issues,” said Dr Muleya.