Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka offers a strategic platform to position itself as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and to strengthen its global trade and economic relations.
This year, the country approaches the global exhibition with a clear vision, outlining specific goals, strategies, and expected outcomes. The focus is on leveraging the expo to secure tangible benefits in trade, investment, and tourism, building on past successes in global showcases.
Growing Momentum in Investment
Recent government initiatives and international marketing campaigns have enhanced Zimbabwe’s profile as a viable investment destination. Efforts led by the Second Republic and agencies such as ZimTrade have already borne fruit, with the country attracting investments from 46 nations last year.
So far in 2024, 615 new investment projects have been approved, marking a 130% increase from 2022.
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These achievements align with Zimbabwe’s commitment to economic diplomacy and a policy focused on private-sector-driven growth and exports.
As part of its strategy, Zimbabwe aims to re-establish trade and investment ties that were eroded by decades of sanctions, which hindered economic development. Expo 2025 presents an opportunity to accelerate this progress, showcasing the country’s vast potential.
A Global Stage for Opportunities
Scheduled to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka has already attracted participation from 153 countries, with an estimated 25 million visitors expected over its six-month duration.
Zimbabwe plans to draw at least 3 million visitors to its pavilion, strategically located near the expo’s entrance and the site of national day celebrations. Exhibiting under the theme “Beyond Limits”, the pavilion will highlight Zimbabwe’s diversity, resilience, and innovation, emphasizing how the nation is overcoming challenges through creative solutions.
The pavilion’s design reflects Zimbabwe’s development philosophy, embracing mantras such as “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”, “Leaving No One and No Place Behind”, and “Innovation, Modernization, and Industrialization.”
Key Sectors on Display
Expo 2025 will enable Zimbabwe to promote investment opportunities across vital sectors, including:
- Agriculture: Leveraging advanced techniques and value chains.
- Mining: Showcasing vast mineral resources.
- Tourism: Highlighting world-class destinations.
- Manufacturing and Infrastructure: Presenting opportunities for development and industrial growth.
Drawing Lessons from Expo 2020 Dubai
Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai set a strong precedent, with the event yielding improved trade relations and heightened investor interest. The UAE, Zimbabwe’s second-largest trading partner after South Africa, has seen significant growth in trade and investment activity, attributed partly to Zimbabwe’s strong showing at Dubai’s event.
“Osaka 2025 will showcase designs and innovations shaping the future, offering Zimbabwe an invaluable opportunity to display its beauty and economic potential,” Kumagai noted.
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