Updates by Costa Mano and Simiso Mlevu
Social Media: Timothy Maponga
1628: Industrialisation can unlock employment opportunities and also help in value addition thereby curbing exportation of raw materials.
1624: He has encouraged Africa to speed up integration by putting up complementary projects.
1622: “Integration is a dream that Africa has dreamt of since the beginning of independence of the continent. We inherited Africa with artificial boundaries which hindered integration,” President Gnassingbe said.
1620: President Gnassingbe says the three exes of action that make up the theme can make us achieve Inter-Africa trade.
“Innovation through education by new technologies. Innovation can also be through efficiency. It can also be through funding. It can also be through some rural activities.”
1618: “You have highlighted the three axis of action which must help us industrialise as Africa.”
1617: ”This year once again, the ZITF did not depart from its reputation of quality which is testified by the presence of a number of international exhibitors.”
1615: He expresses gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe and President Mugabe for the hospitality and warm welcome. He says he was happy to be in the city.
“I am particularly excited for the friendship that has been extended to the people of Togo through me, to officially open the 57th edition of the ZITF.”
1613: The Togolese Head of State is a traditional wrestling champion in Togo, says Min Bimha. President Gnassingbe was, in April 2015, elected for the third term to lead the West African country.
Togolese leader takes to the podium and addresses in French.
1609: President Gnassingbe became Togo Head of State following the death of his father.
1608: ”I have the honour and privilege to present our guest of honour President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe. Minister Bimha is giving a brief biography of President Gnassingbe and notes that he has several degrees.
1606: He has invited Minister of Industry and Trade Cde Mike Bimha to introduce and invite the guest of honour. Min Bimha is making his salutations and makes special recognition of Togolese minister who accompanied President Gnassingbe. Also present here is the Minister of Industry and Trade for the Russian Federation.
1601: As companies world over continue to seek opportunities, events like ZITF offer a platform for growth. Scholastica focused on innovation with the emphasis on stem and other initiative.
1600: ZITF 2016 featured specific sectors including agriculture, education and manufacturing among others. We are pleased with the quality of products showcased this year.
1559: It is important as a country that we become innovative in order to industrialise says Mr Nkomo
1556: Mr Nkomo welcomes President Mugabe who is ZITF patron and his Togolese counterpart.
1555: ZITF chairman Mr Bhekithemba Nkomo takes to the podium to address delegates. He starts off with salutations and has invited Prophet Bothwell Phiri to pray.
1546: The guard of honour is now marching past and off the arena.
1543: The guest of honour has finished inspecting the guard of honour.
1534: Togolese President Gnassingbe leaves to inspect the guard of honour as his Zimbabwean counterpart remains at attention.
1532: President Mugabe and his Togolese counterpart move to the podium for the national anthem.
1529: The Presidential motorcade is making way to the ZITF ground amid deafening cheers from the crowd.
1526: The guard of honour is waiting for the arrival of our guest of honour, His Excellency Faure Gnassingbe who is coming together with President Mugabe.
1521: VP Emmerson Mnangagwa is now arriving at the main arena.
1518: Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has arrived for the official opening. He is followed by President of the Senate, Amai Edna Madzongwe.
1509: The official opening ceremony is about to start. Security chiefs are making their way to the ZITF grounds.
The VIP enclosure
1421: The two leaders are now leaving Hall 1 and are heading for lunch before the official opening ceremony.
1402: Presidents Mugabe and Gnassingbe have moved to Hall 1 where they are touring Russian companies exhibition stands.
Part of Hall 1 where Russian nationals are exhibiting
1349: The two leaders are now at Alpha Omega Dairy exhibition stand where Presidents Mugabe and Gnassingbe are meeting employees working for the company.
1338: From Hall 5, the two Presidents visited the Produce and Home Industries Hall.
Women’s League Deputy Secretary Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo and other members waiting for President Mugabe and his Togolese counterpart with gifts
1322: The two leaders are now touring Hall 5 which is home to Zanu PF Business Development and Liaison Department.
Scores of people gathered outside Hall 5 to welcome President Mugabe
1231: President Mugabe and His Togolese counterpart are now at the Copperbelt University exhibition stand.
President Mugabe and Gnassingbe being briefed by an official who is manning South Africa’s department of Trade exhibition stand.
1218: They are now at ZimTrade exhibition stand.
1208: The President and his Togolese counterpart are now touring exhibition stands. Their first port of call is Cairns Holdings Limited.
President Mugabe and his Togolese counterpart tour stands at ZITF. Pictures by Simiso Mlevu
1205: President Mugabe has arrived at ZITF and is being briefed by the officials.
President Mugabe arrives at the ZITF grounds. Picture by Simiso Mlevu
1110: President Mugabe and his Togolese counterpart have arrived in Bulawayo for the official opening.
1029: A total of 19 countries are taking part in this year’s trade showcase which is being held under the theme ‘Innovate, Integrate and Industrialise.’
President Mugabe and Togolese President Faure Gnassinbe at the Harare International Airport.
1022: All is set for the official opening of the 57th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo today. The trade show will be officially opened by Togolese President Faure Gnassinbe at the invitation of President Mugabe.
Gnassinbe arrived in the country yesterday.
Togo is a West African which gained independence from colonial rule on 27 April in 1960.
Before the official opening ceremony, President Mugabe together with his Togolese counterpart will tour various ZITF exhibition stands.