More than 250 exhibitors from about 20 countries are expected to participate in Mine Entra 2026, which opens on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, with organisers promising an expanded conference programme focusing on mining, energy, infrastructure and mineral value addition.
Running under the theme, “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through the Mining Value Chain,” this year’s edition is expected to bring together mining companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers and investors from across Zimbabwe and abroad.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Thandolwenkosi Nkomo said preparations for the country’s premier mining, engineering and transport exhibition were at an advanced stage, with exhibitors already setting up their stands ahead of the official opening.
“Mine Entra 2026 begins tomorrow, 29 July, here at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo. We are excited to let you know that exhibitors have already started setting up their booths,” said Nkomo.
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“We have over 250 exhibitors who have confirmed participation at Mine Entra 2026.”
Nkomo said the final number of exhibitors would be announced on Wednesday once all registrations had been concluded. Last year’s edition attracted 258 exhibitors.
“Those who have been following the year-on-year statistics will note that last year we had 258 exhibitors. As we wrap up registrations today, we will have the final tally, which will be announced tomorrow,” she said.
She said this year’s exhibition had recorded a significant increase in international participation, with exhibitors and delegates from about 20 countries.
“We have representation from about 20 countries this year, which is a significant increase from last year. Last year we had four countries outside Zimbabwe represented, so that’s a plus for us,” she said.
Nkomo said the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe had taken a leading role in curating this year’s conference programme, which has been expanded beyond the traditional mining conferences to include specialised symposiums on emerging industry priorities.
“In addition to the usual conferences, such as the Small-Scale Miners Conference and the main Mine Entra Conference, we have a richer programme that includes a number of symposiums,” she said.
Among the key highlights is the third edition of the Buyers Programme, which begins on Wednesday afternoon and is designed to connect suppliers with major industry buyers.
“The Buyers Programme will feature two speed-networking sessions, with about 25 organisations participating as buyers from the mining, transport and related sectors,” Nkomo said.
The exhibition will also introduce a new Suppliers, Energy and Infrastructure Symposium on Wednesday afternoon before exhibitors gather for the annual Welcome Cocktail later in the evening.
Thursday’s programme includes an Exploration Seminar in the morning followed by a Beneficiation and Value Addition Seminar, reflecting Zimbabwe’s drive to increase local mineral processing and value addition.
Friday will feature the flagship Mine Entra Conference and the official opening ceremony, while the Mine Entra Charity Golf Challenge, traditionally held on Friday, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 1 August.
Nkomo said the expanded programme was designed to strengthen business-to-business engagement, promote investment partnerships and provide a platform for dialogue on issues affecting Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Mine Entra is Zimbabwe’s premier mining, engineering and transport exhibition, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations while promoting investment and discussions on the future of the country’s mining sector.
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