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Harare to Host Permanent Intra-African Trade Fair Headquarters

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The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) will now operate as a permanent institution, with its headquarters set to be established in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the newly formed Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO).

The announcement was made at IATF2025 in Algiers, marking a significant step in advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Zimbabwe won the bid to host the headquarters after competing against Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa.

According to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the IATF Advisory Council, Zimbabwe was chosen because of its modern conferencing facilities, air transport links, accommodation capacity, and its commitment to allocate land for future growth of the institution.

“This marks a new era for IATF, ensuring its role as the continent’s premier trade and investment platform remains strong while boosting intra-African trade,” Obasanjo said.

The institution will be supported by an initial capitalization of US$28 million approved by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). IATFCO will oversee the biennial trade fair, which has grown into Africa’s biggest marketplace for business and investment opportunities.

Afreximbank president Benedict Oramah described the development as a “major milestone” and called on African states, the private sector, and financial institutions to rally behind IATFCO as it takes shape.

The IATF is jointly organized by Afreximbank, the African Union Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. It offers companies an opportunity to exhibit products and services, build partnerships, and access AfCFTA’s single market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of over US$3.5 trillion.

This year’s edition, held in Algiers from 4–10 September 2025, drew more than 112,000 participants from 132 countries, featured 2,148 exhibitors, and generated trade and investment deals worth US$48.3 billion.

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Crime and Courts

Illegal miner jailed 5 years for gold worth USD 12

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Asian National Nabbed with 34.6 Grammes of Gold

A Ruwa man will rue the day after he defied the cultural day (Chisi) and went on to illegally pan gold at a mine shaft after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 0.096 grammes of the metal.

According to court records Tafadzwa Matsika (45) was sentenced to five years in prison for the illegal possession of gold.

NPA said Matsika was arrested on the 20 August 2025 at Greencroft mining compound mine after officials received information that someone was illegally panning for gold on cultural day of rest known as (Chisi).

“Mine officials tracked his spoor from a mining shaft to a nearby compound where they confronted the offender.

“Matsika produced a sachet of toasted gold weighing 0.096 grammes from his pocket but could not produce a mining license or permit.”

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Crime and Courts

Police Deploy Breathalysers and Speed Cameras Ahead of Festive Season

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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will this weekend begin deploying breathalysers and speed cameras on major highways as part of a nationwide campaign to curb drunk driving and speeding, two leading causes of road fatalities.

 

Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the new technology will allow officers to deal “directly and scientifically” with reckless drivers. “This is about restoring discipline on our roads,” Mhona said. “These measures will reduce accidents and enhance public safety.”

 

The rollout marks Zimbabwe’s first large-scale use of modern road enforcement tools. It coincides with the introduction of a new fleet of Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) vehicles, which will strengthen inspections and ensure vehicles are certified fit for the road.

 

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and avoid unnecessary risks. “Road safety is a collective responsibility. Vehicles must be serviced and certified fit to be on the road,” he said.

 

The initiative comes as authorities brace for increased travel and festive season traffic, a period historically associated with high accident rates.

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Crime and Courts

Meru service station robbed 9K

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ZRP Foils Armed Robbery Syndicate

Four armed robbers outfoxed security personnel manning Kwekwe Meru service station before they blew up a safe and fled with over USD 9 000.

National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations are underway.

He said the robbery occurred on 17 November 2025 at Meru service station Kwekwe. “Four armed men approached a Fawcett officer who was on duty and forced him to lie on the ground.

“They tied his hands and legs before dragging him into the building.

“A second Fawcett officer ran into the building and was also caught while attempting to notify the Fawcett Reaction Team,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the suspects tied his hands and legs. and dragged him into the same room where the other Fawcett officer was being held.

“The suspects then forced their way into the second room, where three officers were asleep and tied the officers as well.

“They blasted a wall-mounted safe and seized USD 9 700.”

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