Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Hosting Agreement for the Intra-Africa Trade Fair Entities) Regulations, 2025

Made under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act, these regulations give the Host Country Agreement between Zimbabwe, the African Export-Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat the force of law in Zimbabwe. The agreement itself is printed as the Schedule, and the Minister of Finance may make further regulations and directions to carry it out.

The agreement establishes the IATFCO entities — the permanent body being set up to run the Intra-African Trade Fair — in Harare. Government undertakes to provide, at no cost, at least 60 000 square metres of land in a prime location within 15 kilometres of the major airport and international hotels, and a venue meeting detailed specifications including plenary capacity for 5 000 attendees, four breakout rooms for 500 delegates each, interpretation facilities and office space for 100–150 staff.

The premises are inviolable. No government official — administrative, judicial, military or police — may enter without the written consent of the IATFCO chief executive, except where a disaster requires prompt protective action, and legal process may not be served or executed inside them without consent. Government may not compulsorily acquire or nationalise the property. In return the IATFCO must not let the premises become a refuge from justice for people facing extradition, deportation or arrest.

Article 12 exempts the entities, their foreign staff and their imports and exports from customs and taxation, and from import and export prohibitions and restrictions on goods for their official activities. Article 13 gives persons connected with the IATFCO visa-free entry without charge, immunity from legal process for official acts, exemption from immigration restrictions and national service, exemption from tax on IATFCO salaries, and — on first taking up post — duty-free import of furniture, personal effects and two motor cars each, normally within six months of first entry.

Being made under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act, the regulations are temporary in nature; that Act's usual six-month life applies unless Parliament legislates. The text as published does not state a commencement date.