Staff Reporter
Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi is set to officially open the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) today in Harare.
The highly anticipated event will also see the attendance of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking a significant occasion for the country's agricultural sector.
This year's edition of ZAS runs under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity. Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future,” highlighting the event's focus on fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability within the agricultural industry.
ZAS Chief Executive Officer Andrew Matibiri expressed his excitement about the scale of this year's show, which features a diverse range of exhibitors and participants.
“I am pleased to announce that the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024 will feature more than 560 exhibitors, occupying over 78,224 square meters of exhibiting space. The total number of confirmed exhibitors so far is 282 locals plus seven foreign, bringing the total to 289 and has to date taken up 58,483.96 square meters,” Matibiri stated.
The show is expected to draw a massive crowd, with over 250 000 visitors anticipated from across Zimbabwe and the region.
The event will showcase a wide array of agricultural products, technologies, and innovations, providing a platform for businesses, farmers, and stakeholders to connect and exchange ideas.
Foreign participation in this year’s show has seen a significant increase, with representatives from eleven countries—India, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Eswatini, Japan, Russia, Mozambique, China, Malawi, and Tanzania—set to participate.
This marks a rise from last year, where only five countries were represented, signalling growing international interest in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector.
Safety and security have been prioritized for this year's show, with the introduction of enhanced measures to protect both exhibitors and visitors.
“Greater emphasis has been put on safety and security to the extent that wider and more modern CCTV cameras have been installed, in addition to the use of drones. ZAS will be flying drones all week to ensure the safety of people at the event,” Matibiri added.
Development expert Nickros Kajengo highlighted the significance of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as a critical event for the agricultural sector.
“The Show offers unique business and networking opportunities through exhibitions and conferences. It also offers opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and forging invaluable connections within the industry. For many stakeholders, this is an invaluable platform to showcase their innovations and explore new markets,” Kajengo said.
Kajengo further emphasized the role of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in promoting agricultural resilience and innovation.
“This event is not just about displaying products; it's about fostering relationships and learning from each other to drive the sector forward. The ability to network with both local and international participants is a tremendous benefit that can lead to long-term partnerships and growth.”
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show remains a cornerstone of the national agricultural calendar, celebrating the achievements and advancements of farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders in the sector.
It serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation within the agricultural community, driving the industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
