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Trust Khosa and Valerie Mpundu

It was a colourful plumage that left an indelible mark on the memories of many.

Imposing exhibition stands erected outside the Rainbow Towers’ well-manicured lawn are buzzing with guests as the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week gets into full throttle.

A precursor to the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 17 in Harare, the intra-Africa trade expo is well coordinated judging by the buyers’ engagement with entrepreneurs.

Running under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC”, this mantra is captured at Rainbow Towers Hotel during our tour of stands.

Banners, tents and teardrops bearing company names are planted outside the hotel.

Ushers welcoming guests make our job easier as they are very articulate.

This level of coordination guides regional buyers and delegates attending the business expo.

Local companies, higher learning institutions and other entrepreneurs have also embraced the expo.

After all the euphoria generated during the build-up to the week-long event, the buzz shows that delegates had been waiting for this big occasion.

A perfect platform for local companies to be noticed, history has been made as accredited local and regional guests are busy exploring business opportunities.

For a change, the security personnel manning the area are friendly and cooperative.

In recent years, rascals masquerading as security details would torment, harass and even steal from the guests.

This is completely the opposite; an indication Zimbabwe has hospitable and capable event planners.

The warm reception one gets from each stand shows that companies selling their brands mean serious business.

At the Kambucha stand, we meet gospel musician Respina Patai, better known as Mai Patai.

She was recently appointed Kambucha brand ambassador and the SADC Industrialisation Week experience remains a game-changer to her profile.

As cheerful as ever, the calm and collected Mai Patai explains the advantages of her products.

“This is our stand where we are promoting our products, especially immune boosters.

“This was my first time interacting with high-profile delegates who mean business.

“The traffic we are getting here is quite amazing as buyers and other entrepreneurs are willing to partner with us,” says Mai Patai.

After this summary, she apologises for one of the missing products.

“One of the brands which is out of stock is the Manyuchi Power.

“Many people have been asking for it but we don’t have it.  It is recommended for those with challenges in bed.”

A few metres from the Kambucha stand is the Nyathi Beer cubicle where buyers are busy sipping the opaque brew, which comes in different flavours.

Company representative Keisha Masendo is pleased with the traffic.

“The traffic is overwhelming for us. We have been busy for the greater part of the week,” says Masendo.

The Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) stand is another place of choice.

The BUSE Innovation Hub is doing wonders in Mashonaland Central.

Students at BUSE are manufacturing drinks from Masau fruit known as “Indian Jujube”, “Chinese Apple” or “Indian Plum” in English.

The fruit, which is abundant in Mashonaland Central, is now generating money for students at BUSE.

A BUSE Innovation Hub representative, Marvellous Goredema, welcomed the trade expo.

“It’s quite an honour to be here showcasing our products ranging from Masau Juice, Masau Baobab to Masau Ginger.

“We are selling these products to retail shops, restaurants and hotels,” explains Goredema.

Inside the Rainbow Towers, the Malawian stand, Me ‘n’ Them Enterprise, is popular with guests as they are also selling immune boosters.

Some of their products are believed to be useful to those with erectile challenges.

“This one called Horse Kick is popular here with regional guests. You consume it 30 minutes before you go to bed with your partner while this powder can last for close to a year in your system.

“It’s an immune booster which has been tested in the laboratory,” says Me ‘n’ Them Enterprise managing director, Mirreille Nkata.

She, however, warned guests against taking an overdose of their products.

“You need to follow instructions when taking it and avoid trouble by taking an overdose.

“Our products are perfect for the immune system if taken correctly.”

Fashion enthusiasts’ needs have been catered for at the SADC Industrialisation Week.

One such designer and fabric manufacturer is Tanzanian national Zainabu Juma, who hailed Zimbabweans for their hospitality and business cooperation.

Her ethnic wares (batik tie and dye) are also popular at the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week, whose curtain comes to an end today.

Besides being her first time in Zimbabwe, she feels at home.

“This is our first time here in Zimbabwe. The welcome was overwhelming; it was as if they knew us before.

“I wish to come again after this event to do business and exchange ideas with local entrepreneurs.

“We also want some connections with the people of Zimbabwe,” she says.

Juma, who is proud of her authentic and stylish designs, adds:

“You can only get this in Tanzania and we also want them to be available here.

“Our products, especially batik tie and dye will never fade, it’s original and authentic.”

The Mozambican stand, showcasing mainly their food and beverages, is also popular despite the language barrier.

Portuguese is one of the international languages Zimbabweans need to learn as well.

Blue chip companies like Econet, Varun Beverages, Cairns Foods, Cortina, Victoria Foods, Trade Kings and Liquid are part of the SADC Industrialisation week.

Trade Kings spokesperson, Paul Muchati, reckons the expo has given their company a well-deserved recognition.

“As a brand, I am happy to say Trade Kings has well represented itself. Most people were not aware of some of the products. Today’s exhibition has given us and our consumers the much-needed exposure,” he says.

Nickson Yakobe, one of the expo attendees, says learnt a lot.

“I just came to watch, I am very excited that the media is here. It shows there is harmony between the media and Zimbabwean companies.

“The coverage you are giving an appreciation of local products.”

Inside the Harare International Conference Centre, new seats have been installed.

The old and derelict purple seats have been replaced as the HICC sitting area now boasts of decency.

For progress’ sake, the new look of the HICC auditorium should be maintained.

Events attracting rowdy fans who end up stomping the seats should be stopped.

The massive investment at Rainbow Towers to ensure it regains its grandeur is a game-changer.

Rainbow Towers Hotel has regained its standards after the Government poured millions into giving it the facelift it deserves.

“For now, Zim dancehall shows should not be held here anymore.

“Imagine what could happen to these seats when those rowdy blokes from the ghetto come here for gigs.

“This investment is all that we have been waiting for and should continue even after the SADC Industrialisation Week, “ says one of the accredited guests who was left in awe.

Its high time standards are being upheld to ensure that the Rainbow Towers Hotel does not lose its lustre.

Proper care and maintenance should now be enforced to ensure we keep the standards after the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week.