AfrIPI at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2023

From 25 to 28 April 2023, AfrIPI participated in the 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The trade fair draws in numerous national, regional, and international exhibitors and visitors. Its theme this year was Transformative Innovativeness, Global Competitiveness.

AfrIPI used the ZITF platform to promote the Africa IP SME Helpdesk services and the AfrIPI project to small to medium-sized enterprises , organisations, and the public. The ZITF was also an opportunity for AfrIPI to network with potential partners to help promote awareness of intellectual property rights.

Apart from exhibiting and interacting with stakeholders at ZITF, AfrIPI also participated in high-level events such as the Connect Africa Symposium, The Diplomat’s Forum, and the ZITF official opening ceremony. The Connect Africa Symposium, under the theme ‘Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Innovation, Competitiveness and Sustainable Development,’ provided a platform for AfrIPI to interact with African SMEs and officials. At the Diplomats Forum, there were more than 200 members of the diplomatic corps, development body representatives and business leaders. The Forum brought together businesses, governments, and international institutions to facilitate a global exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The ZITF also provided an opportunity for AfrIPI to exhibit next to the European Union (EU) delegation, who were present at ZITF for the first time. Notable visitors to the AfrIPI stand included the EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Jobst von Kirchmann, the Hon Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Zimbabwe, Dr D. Musabayana, and the Director General of ARIPO, Mr Bemanya Twebaze.