THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) shone like a beacon during the recently held Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) by bagging home a Gold Medal in one of the competitions.
The 63rd edition of the annual business and trade showcase was held between 25 and 29 April 2023 under the theme, “Continuous Innovation, Global Competitiveness”.
The GMB jointly participated with Silo Foods Industries (SFI) under the theme “GMB and SFI for continuous innovation towards agricultural growth”.
The GMB stand was a hive of activity as both local and foreign visitors trooped to see some of the innovations to be introduced by the parastatal such as the Smart Silos. The government through a partnership with the Government of Belarus have agreed to construct four Smart Silos at different GMB depots.
The first Smart Silos are scheduled to be constructed at GMB Kwekwe before the end of the year. Other depots earmarked for Smart Silos are Timbermills, Mhangura and Magunje.
Unlike the current silos which are highly manual and labour-intensive, the Smart Silos are highly automated and technology-driven making working smarter and easier.
A miniature model of the Smart Silos that was exhibited at the GMB stand was the major talking point during the trade showcase.
The young and the old, the rich and the poor, the local and the international (foreign) visitors all had a question or two about this latest innovation coming to GMB.
It was therefore befitting that the GMB walked to the winners podium to receive a trophy, Gold Medal and a Certificate after it was adjudged the Best Exhibitor under the Food Manufacturers category of the competitions.
GMB’s Acting Chief Executive, Mr Clemence Guta was on cloud nine saying the award was a Vote of Confidence by different stakeholders of GMB’s potential to be a significant player in the nation achieving the nation’s vision 2030.
“I am very excited to have come here in Bulawayo for ZITF and obviously winning. I hope we will continue winning and that will make us proud as an organisation,” said Mr Guta.
GMB’s board vice chairperson, Dr Henry Mushonga was also a happy man as he joined the exhibitors in celebrations and in some cases explained to visitors.
“This award comes at a time that we have been working so hard with my colleagues to have come all the way to receive this prestigious award by beating some of the most competitive institutions in the food sector category,” said Dr Mushonga.
He attributed the success of this year’s ZITF to teamwork.
Meanwhile, King Mswati III of Eswatini officially opened this year’s edition of the country’s biggest annual trade and business showcase.