By Flata Kavinga
The Kwekwe Publicity Association (KPA) has renewed calls for the establishment of a permanent showground, saying the absence of dedicated exhibition facilities is disrupting the smooth running of the annual Kwekwe Expo.
KPA treasurer January Mukandapi said exhibitors were concerned that they continued to operate from temporary cubicles, which they had to dismantle after the annual exhibition.
Speaking during the presentation of 2026 Kwekwe Expo Business Conference keynote speakers’ appreciation certificates by Kwekwe mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga at the Civic Centre, Mukandapi said a permanent showground would allow exhibitors to construct permanent structures and improve their participation.
He said the association held post-exhibition meetings with exhibitors every year to assess the event, adding that while this year’s edition was a success, the lack of permanent exhibition facilities remained a concern.
This year’s show was a resounding success. We hold meetings with exhibitors every year after the show for postmortem. Our exhibitors appreciate the effort that we are doing to have this thing done,” he said.
“However, they are concerned about the lack of showground where they expect to put permanent structures, unlike the obtaining situation where they put up cubicles, which disturbs our expectations in terms of running period of the show when they dismantle their stands and pack up.”
Mukandapi said the issue had previously been raised with the relevant authorities, with the association having been assured that it was being addressed.
He expressed hope that the concerns would receive attention, saying the association continued to rent venues to host the annual exhibition.
The call comes amid efforts to strengthen the Kwekwe Expo as a platform for business networking, investment promotion and showcasing local economic activities.
