The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026, held from April 20 to 25 in Bulawayo under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” served as a premier platform for governments, regulators, industry leaders, and development partners to chart paths for economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and regional integration.
Among the notable exhibitors was the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC), which leveraged the event to amplify its mandate of protecting depositors, promoting financial stability, and advancing financial inclusion across Zimbabwe.
Day 1: Advancing Youth Empowerment Through Financial Inclusion
DPC’s engagement began with the Youth Business Forum, a platform dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs. A key highlight was the launch of the USD 1 million Youth Empowerment Fund by the Minister of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, which is set to be disbursed through EmpowerBank (a member of the Deposit Protection Scheme). The Fund aims to unlock opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, innovation, projects, and sustainable livelihoods across all ten provinces.
In this context, DPC delivered a targeted presentation on the importance of deposit protection in fostering financial inclusion and public confidence in the banking sector. The Corporation emphasized that deposits in licensed financial institutions are protected at no cost to depositors, a message significant for young and first-time account holders.
DPC encouraged youths to open and actively use bank accounts, develop a culture of saving, and engage with formal financial systems to access funding and growth prospects. This initiative aligns closely with national priorities to broaden financial inclusion and integrate more young people into the formal economy.
Day 2: Strengthening Economic Dialogue and Institutional Visibility
On the second day, DPC sponsored the International Business Conference, one of ZITF’s flagship events. The conference was officially opened by Vice President Gen (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, highlighting the vital role of stakeholder collaboration in driving industrialisation and economic transformation.
DPC’s participation underscored the importance of financial sector stability and depositor confidence as foundations for investment, industrial growth, and economic resilience. Notably, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube, paid a courtesy visit to the DPC exhibition stand, engaging with the DPC Board Chairperson and Executive Management on strengthening depositor protection frameworks. The government reaffirmed its support for institutions upholding financial system integrity.
Day 3: Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration and Regional Engagement
The DPC Chairman, Mr Canan Dube, hosted a high-level stakeholders’ lunch attended by the Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Mr Paul Nyoni, along with representatives from banks, the media, tertiary institutions, the Consumer Protection Commission, and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
This engagement was crucial for a coordinated approach to safeguarding depositors and maintaining confidence in Zimbabwe’s banking sector. The day also saw the official opening of the trade fair by Botswana President His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, emphasizing ZITF’s regional significance as a hub for cross-border cooperation, trade, and investment.
Strategic Impact and the Way Forward
DPC’s participation at ZITF 2026 was more than an exhibition; it was a strategic engagement that strengthened its visibility, reinforced stakeholder confidence, and advanced national development objectives. Key outcomes included increased public awareness of the Deposit Protection Scheme, enhanced youth engagement on financial inclusion, stronger collaboration with regulators and policymakers, and reinforced government support for depositor protection.
As Zimbabwe pursues economic transformation under the vision of “Connected economies and Competitive industries”, institutions like DPC remain critical. Through ongoing public education, stakeholder collaboration, and policy alignment, DPC is committed to safeguarding depositor funds, promoting confidence in the financial system, and supporting inclusive economic participation.
ZITF 2026 provided a vital platform for DPC to showcase its impact and reaffirm its dedication to building a resilient, inclusive, and trusted financial sector for all Zimbabweans.