Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is set to gain significant traction in trade, tourism, and investment as it prepares to showcase its potential at the highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.
Slated to begin in April 2025, this global exhibition promises to be a strategic opportunity for Zimbabwe to advance its engagement and re-engagement agenda, solidifying the nation’s image as a dynamic destination for business, tourism, and innovation.
Speaking to journalists in Harare yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, represented by the Director of International Trade, Mr Kingdom Gandanga, emphasized Zimbabwe’s readiness to capitalize on this platform.
“As the Ministry mandated to promote, safeguard, defend and protect Zimbabwe’s interests abroad, we are confident that Expo 2025 Osaka will be an excellent opportunity to further our engagement and re-engagement agenda, expanding our trade, tourism, and investment horizons, thereby enhancing the prospects of attaining our National Vision of an empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“Expo 2025 Osaka, which will run from April to October under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” serves as a powerful forum where countries converge to exchange ideas, foster business partnerships, and market their goods and services,” noted Mr Gandanga.
Charge d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Hiroyuki Kumagai, underscored the importance of the media’s role in promoting Zimbabwe’s narrative on the international stage.
“Your participation is vital to the success of this initiative. Your engagement with stakeholders plays a crucial role in ensuring that the country’s narrative is effectively communicated to the world. The media would be a key link between Zimbabwe and Japan, driving positive stories that celebrate Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2025,” Kumagai stated.
Similarly, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana encouraged the media to actively support the Expo and promote Zimbabwe’s vision.
“Let us work together to ignite a national fervour that transcends partisan lines, narrow political interests, or any other sentiment that divides us. Through compelling storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and inclusive dialogue, let us rekindle the flame of patriotism and rally our citizens toward this common goal.
“The media’s role is instrumental in shaping a positive national narrative and inspiring pride. By creating a collective sense of excitement around the Expo, Zimbabwe can unite its citizens behind a shared vision of prosperity and resilience. When we reflect on our performance, we should puff out our chests with pride for our country’s achievements on the global stage,” he explained.
Commissioner General for the Expo, Mr Allan Majuru, expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to capitalize on the event.
“The Expo is an opportunity to showcase Brand Zimbabwe, and through various activities lined up, we anticipate reaping substantial economic and diplomatic benefits.
“In line with the government’s focus on economic growth and global integration under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe aims to use this platform to showcase the progress made in improving the ease of doing business. By highlighting its resilience, innovation, and development achievements, Zimbabwe hopes to attract global partners and investors who can contribute to the nation’s ambitious economic goals,” he remarked.
As Zimbabwe prepares for Expo 2025 Osaka, the country aims not only to attract investment and foster international partnerships but also to reshape its global image as a resilient, forward-looking nation. With a comprehensive strategy and the support of the media, Zimbabwe is poised to make a lasting impression on the world stage, bringing its Vision 2030 closer to reality.
