Zimbabwe has officially launched preparations for its participation at the Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade in Serbia, with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira saying the global exhibition will be used to promote the country’s heritage, innovation and investment opportunities.
Speaking at the official launch in Harare yesterday, Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe’s participation was part of the country’s broader foreign policy agenda and would strengthen international cooperation.
“This launch represents a decisive step forward in our foreign policy agenda. It is a testament of our commitment to Section 12 of our Constitution, which mandates the State to actively foster international cooperation, respect international law, and build bridges of mutual prosperity with the global community,” he said.
Expo 2027 Belgrade will run from May 15 to August 15 under the theme, “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”.
Prof Murwira unveiled Zimbabwe’s national theme, “Our Play, Our Heritage,” saying it would provide a platform to present the country’s cultural wealth alongside its modern capabilities.
“‘Our Heritage’ is the solid foundation upon which our nation stands our rich soil, our vast mineral wealth, our breathtaking landscapes, and the timeless wisdom of Ubuntu,” he said.
He said “Our Play” represented Zimbabwe’s “forward momentum”, including the creativity of its youth, technological advancement, music and sporting talent.
“Through ‘Our Play, Our Heritage,’ the Zimbabwe Pavilion will demonstrate that our cultural wealth is a powerful engine for economic development, digital transformation, and social inclusion,” Prof Murwira said.
The Minister said Zimbabwe would showcase opportunities in green industrialisation and mineral beneficiation, sustainable agriculture and agro technology, the creative economy, tourism, and sporting and cultural infrastructure.
“We are going to Belgrade to tell global investors that Zimbabwe is not only open for business, but we are also actively offering a highly secure, predictable, and lucrative environment for joint-venture partnerships,” he said.
He called for a whole-of-nation approach involving Government, the private sector, financial institutions and State-owned enterprises.
Serbian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Radisa Grujic said the Expo would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Today, we do not just launch a pavilion or unveil a logo; we build a vibrant bridge of culture, commerce, and camaraderie spanning from the majestic Victoria Falls to the historic confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers in Belgrade,” he said.
Ambassador Grujic said Serbia expected more than 4.1 million visitors and over 120 countries and international organisations at the Expo.
“Expo 2027 is a premium commercial gateway,” he said, adding that the event would provide opportunities to promote investment in tourism, green energy, agriculture and mining.
Meanwhile, Serbia said it is committed to supporting Zimbabwe under its Assisted Programme to ensure the delivery of a world-class pavilion.
