Ndola, June 26, 2026 (TOP243NEWS). – Ndola, the capital of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province and the country’s third-largest city, is widely recognized as Zambia’s leading industrial, commercial, and logistics hub. Located just about 10 kilometers from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the city serves as a strategic gateway to both Central and Southern African markets. Founded in 1904, Ndola grew into a major economic center thanks to its copper mining industry, railway infrastructure, and its role as a regional distribution hub.
Known as the « Friendly City, » Ndola hosts the Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) every year, the country’s largest trade and industrial exhibition. Since its establishment in 1957, the fair has evolved into one of Africa’s leading business events, attracting hundreds of companies, institutions, and official delegations from across the continent and beyond to showcase products, innovations, and investment opportunities.
Originally created to promote the agricultural, mining, and industrial potential of Northern Rhodesia, the trade fair gained international prominence following Zambia’s independence in 1964. Today, it serves as a key platform for trade promotion, innovation, public-private partnerships, and regional economic integration.
Although the Copperbelt is globally renowned for its mining industry, the ZITF also highlights Zambia’s commitment to economic diversification. Increasing attention is given to agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, technology, services, and tourism, reflecting the country’s ambition to build a more diversified and competitive economy.
Ndola’s close proximity to the Greater Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo gives the fair particular strategic importance. Every year, numerous Congolese companies use this platform to showcase their expertise, attract investors, and establish business partnerships with economic operators from across the Southern African region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has made a notable impression at previous editions of the fair, particularly through the Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI), which has been recognized for the quality of its locally processed products. Its participation highlights the country’s growing industrial potential and the increasing interest of Congolese businesses in expanding into regional markets.
Beyond its commercial significance, the Ndola International Trade Fair has become a powerful driver of economic integration among member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). By promoting knowledge exchange, business networking, and the development of regional value chains, the event continues to strengthen Ndola’s position as one of Southern Africa’s leading economic crossroads.
By Mike Pakoto.