ZBIF 2026 · 19 to 22 October · ZITF, Bulawayo

Zimbabwe Business Innovation Forum

Where industry problems meet local solutions. Companies submit challenges. Innovators build answers. Deals close at the forum.

For innovators Get matched to real challenges Register your capabilities, get matched, and pitch at the forum. Join as innovator For organisations Submit a business challenge Reach vetted local innovators and procure proven solutions. Join as organisation

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At a glance

Built around a deal pipeline, not a conference agenda.

Four stages from challenge to close. Eight sub-themes. Six ways in. One forum week in Bulawayo.

Walk the full process

Pipeline 0 Stages from challenge to deal

Submit
Match
Build
Close

0 Ways to participate

0 Innovation sub-themes

Forum week 19–22 Oct 2026 · ZITF, Bulawayo Forum details

The process

From challenge to deal

A structured pipeline connecting Zimbabwe's industry with its innovation ecosystem.

Submit

Companies share real operational problems with context and, where possible, a pilot budget.

Match

Innovators are screened and allocated to challenges that fit their sector and capability.

Build

Teams develop answers with mentor and industry-owner feedback toward a demonstrable pitch.

Close

Live pitches, then private Deal Rooms with the people who can say yes.

Full process Deal Rooms

Get involved

Who is ZBIF for?

Six ways to take part, whether you bring a challenge, a solution, capital, or a stage presence.

Innovators

Build and pitch

Startups, universities and SMEs. Get matched to real industry challenges and pitch at the forum.

See all pathways

Industry

Submit a challenge

Businesses, NGOs and public bodies with an operational problem worth solving.

Investors

Fund and procure

Meet vetted teams in private Deal Rooms built for commercial outcomes.

How Deal Rooms work