Preparing for ZITF 2026: Essential Tips for Attendees / Exhibitors

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) remains one of the most important business, networking, and exhibition platforms in Southern Africa. Every year, thousands of exhibitors, entrepreneurs, corporates, and visitors converge in Bulawayo to explore opportunities, showcase innovations, and build meaningful partnerships.

As ZITF 2026 approaches, preparation is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity. Whether you are attending as a business owner, exhibitor, investor, or visitor, your experience will largely depend on how well you plan.

This guide walks you through everything you need to prepare effectively, with a special focus on leveraging digital financial services like OneMoney and connectivity solutions from NetOne to make your ZITF experience seamless, efficient, and productive.

Understanding ZITF and Why Preparation Matters

ZITF is more than just an exhibition—it is a business ecosystem. It brings together companies across industries including telecommunications, agriculture, manufacturing, fintech, tourism, and retail. Deals are signed, partnerships are formed, and ideas are validated.

However, the scale and intensity of the event can be overwhelming. Without proper planning, you risk:

Missing key networking opportunities 

Overspending on logistics 

Experiencing connectivity challenges 

Failing to maximize your brand exposure 

Preparation ensures that you move strategically rather than reactively.

Just landed in Zimbabwe for ZITF? Grab the NetOne Tourist SIM and stay connected for 90days from the day of activation. 

Planning Your Attendance Early

One of the most critical steps is early planning. This includes securing your tickets, accommodation, and transport well in advance.

Instead of dealing with long queues or last-minute inconveniences, you can conveniently purchase your ZITF 2026 tickets and pay using OneMoney.

Access your tickets here:
https://www.zitfevents.com/events/zitf-2026/tickets

Using OneMoney for ticket purchases offers several advantages:

Fast and secure transactions 

No need to carry cash 

Instant confirmation 

Easy tracking of payments 

This digital-first approach aligns perfectly with the modern, fast-paced nature of ZITF.

Accommodation and Transport

Bulawayo experiences a surge in visitors during ZITF, which means accommodation fills up quickly. Booking early is essential.

Using OneMoney, you can pay (via Swipe, ZIPIT, Send OneMoney or Bill payment) for:

Hotel bookings 

Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style accommodation) 

Guest houses 

Additionally, travel expenses such as tollgate fees can also be settled via OneMoney, making your journey smoother and cashless.

Key benefits include:

Reduced need to carry physical cash 

Faster processing at tollgates 

Better expense management 

Food and Daily Expenses

During  ZITF, managing daily expenses efficiently is crucial. From meals to quick purchases at the exhibition grounds, OneMoney simplifies transactions.

You can use OneMoney to:

Pay for meals at restaurants and food stalls 

Buy refreshments at the exhibition 

Handle small, frequent transactions without hassle 

Buy airtime and bundles to stay connected to those who matter most

This not only improves convenience but also enhances security by minimizing cash handling.

Remember, you can fund your OneMoney account via any of these options: https://www.netone.co.zw/posts/how-to-fund-your-onemoney-wallet-

Staying Connected Throughout ZITF

Connectivity is a non-negotiable element of your ZITF experience. Whether you are networking, closing deals, or sharing updates, reliable communication is essential.

Buy NetOne Airtime and Data Bundles

To stay connected to those who matter most, ensure you have sufficient airtime and data bundles from NetOne.

With NetOne, you can:

Buy airtime for yourself 

Purchase airtime for others (friends, family, or colleagues) 

Access affordable data bundles 

Enjoy reliable network coverage 

This is especially important for:

Livestreaming at your ZITF stand

Coordinating meetings 

Responding to business inquiries 

Staying in touch with family 

Live Streaming from Your ZITF Stand

If you are an exhibitor, visibility is everything. One powerful way to amplify your presence is through live streaming.

Using NetOne data, you can:

Stream product demonstrations in real time 

Host live Q&A sessions 

Showcase your stand to a global audience 

Engage customers beyond physical attendees 

Why this matters:

Extends your reach beyond ZITF grounds 

Builds brand credibility 

Creates digital content for future marketing 

Reliable data connectivity ensures your streams are smooth and professional.

Getting a NetOne SIM Card or Service Activation

If you need a SIM card or want to activate services, NetOne has made it incredibly convenient for ZITF attendees.

You can visit:

NetOne ZITF Shop (within the exhibition grounds) 

NetOne Bulawayo Main Shop 

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport Shop 

These NetOne shops in Bulawayo provide services such:

SIM card registration 

Airtime and bundle purchases 

Customer support 

OneMoney registrations / wallet funding

Cash In / Cash Out

This ensures that even if you arrive unprepared, you can quickly get connected.
For your added convenience , you can  you can now do your OneMoney Cash In and Cash Out transactions at any Mengistu Enterprises outlet. Visit your nearest outlet today for added convenience.

Powering Your Home While You’re Away

One commonly overlooked aspect of attending ZITF is ensuring your home remains functional while you are away. Using OneMoney, you can buy prepaid ZESA electricity tokens wherever you are

Maximizing Your ZITF Experience

Preparation goes beyond logistics—it also involves strategy.

Networking Strategy

ZITF is a networking goldmine. To maximize opportunities:

Identify key exhibitors you want to meet 

Schedule meetings in advance 

Prepare your elevator pitch 

Carry business cards or digital contact tools 

Use your NetOne SIM card to:

Buy data for sharing documents or proposals via email. 

Make follow up phone calls. 

Connect onto your CRM tools for collecting leads. 

Explore our Big Beautiful Bundles that are designed for anyone who need superfast data for their day-to-day business. 

Exhibitor-Specific Preparation

If you are exhibiting, your preparation needs to be even more detailed.

Key considerations:

Stand design and branding 

Product display and demonstrations 

Marketing materials 

Staff training 

Integrate digital tools:

Use NetOne data for live engagement 

Accept payments via OneMoney 

Capture leads digitally 

This combination of physical and digital readiness enhances your overall impact.

Health and Safety Considerations

Large events require attention to personal well-being.

Tips include:

Stay hydrated 

Wear comfortable shoes 

Take breaks when needed 

Keep emergency contacts accessible 

Having a reliable mobile network ensures you can access help if necessary.

Post-ZITF Follow-Up

Your work does not end when ZITF closes. In fact, this is where real business begins.

After the event:

Follow up with contacts immediately 

Send proposals or quotations 

Continue conversations started at ZITF 

Use NetOne connectivity to maintain communication and OneMoney to receive any outstanding payments.  

Why Digital Tools Are Essential for ZITF 2026

The integration of mobile money and telecommunications is transforming how events like ZITF are experienced.

Benefits include:

Convenience 

Speed 

Security 

Efficiency 

By leveraging OneMoney and NetOne, you position yourself for a modern, seamless ZITF experience.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for ZITF 2026 is about more than just attending—it is about optimizing every aspect of your participation.

From purchasing tickets and managing expenses with OneMoney to staying connected and visible with NetOne, the right tools can significantly enhance your experience.

To summarize:

Buy your tickets early using OneMoney 

Plan accommodation and transport in advance 

Stay connected with NetOne airtime and data 

Leverage live streaming for visibility 

Visit NetOne service points for support 

Ensure your home remains powered with prepaid ZESA 

ZITF is an opportunity to grow, connect, and innovate. With the right preparation, you can turn it into a highly productive and rewarding experience.

If approached strategically, ZITF 2026 will not just be an event you attend—it will be a milestone in your personal or business journey.