Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
TODAY marks the conclusion of the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, with the curtain set to come down on one of the country’s biggest annual gatherings.
As the expo draws to a close, tens of thousands of people — largely children and families — are expected to descend on the Harare Exhibition Park, popularly known as the Showgrounds, for the traditional closing-day spectacle.
Running under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” this year’s show has been hailed for strengthening value chains and deepening trade links with regional and international partners.
The positive developments are refreshing for the business community, particularly as ZAS continues to consolidate its position as one of the biggest and most influential agricultural exhibitions in the sub-region.
The show’s continued growth is reflected in the increase in exhibitors, with more than 600 companies and organisations taking part this year compared with 505 last year, according to the organisers.
Away from serious business, ZAS’ closing day has always been synonymous with fun, colour and family entertainment.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle has religiously followed the closing day of ZAS over the years, when families come out in numbers to enjoy the final moments of the annual extravaganza.
It should therefore come as no surprise to see long queues snaking along Samora Machel Avenue as families jostle to catch the action.
“I can’t afford to miss this closing day because it has become part of my tradition,” Mavis Mwale of Warren Park 1, Harare.
“I wonder how I will spend the day if I don’t attend it. I am a fun-loving person who hardly misses ZAS.”
With regular festival-goers prioritising the last day of ZAS, colour, fun and fashion statements will once again be on full display.
For responsible parents and guardians, today presents the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with their children before schools reopen.
For absentee, irresponsible or reckless parents, however, missing out on the event could leave their children disappointed, depriving them of an experience that could provide new stories, memorable moments and exciting tales to share with classmates once schools reopen.
For mature crowds, superstar Jah Prayzah’s headline performance has further heightened the appeal of the closing day.
“In my case, I have made sure that I don’t miss the closing day of the Agric Show because it means a lot to us,” said regular show attendee Moses Mabaya.
“I have been saving money to ensure that my kids attend this fair.
“My kids should never miss this spectacle because memories are created, and they will be able to share them with their friends when school opens.”
Since attending the last day of ZAS has become a lifestyle for many families, there are some major stands that continue to stand out.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces stand, known for its jaw-dropping displays, as well as those of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, hardly disappoint.
When it comes to meeting popular radio personalities, Star FM and Capitalk have also been ruling the roost.
The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation stands — dominated by Radio Zimbabwe and National FM — remain among the most visited attractions at the show.
As an annual business jamboree spiced up with entertainment, ZAS is also a winning day for those in the transport, vending, health, security and culinary sectors, as demand for their services increases.
For many service providers, the closing day represents an important commercial opportunity, with the huge crowds creating a ready market for everything from food and fashion to transport and entertainment.
Missing out on the event would therefore be a big miss, especially for regular goers. After all has been said and done, fashion retailers are also expected to make a killing. Whether they are boutique owners or second-hand clothing vendors, Harare is certainly expected to be buzzing beyond expectations.
“In this era of second-hand clothes vendors, it will be a sin if your kids are not presentable at the Agric Show,” said a clothing vendor operating at Construction House known as Chihera.
“To be honest with you, I ran out of stock as families were literally grabbing everything that I had here.
“It was nice that we made a killing, and I would be insincere to say business was low for us.”
For party-goers, it is entertainment galore across the city, where demand for fun is expected to be heightened.
As has become the norm, City Sports Centre will be on fire with the annual Harare Cup Clash featuring budding stars, setting the tone for what to expect there.
At the main ZAS venue, Glamis Arena, fun is guaranteed, with entertainment expected to keep crowds on their feet as the agricultural showcase draws to a close.
During the build-up to the closing day, Nisha Ts added spark, while Miss Universe Zimbabwe Roseanna Hall toured the facility and the ZDF stand maintained its dominance.
Beyond the entertainment and business opportunities, safety remains a major consideration, particularly for parents bringing young children to the show.
Like any other large gathering, due care is needed as cases of missing or lost children are usually recorded during the busy period.
This is one area where the Zimbabwe Republic Police has won the hearts of many through its diligence.
With children’s games aplenty and excitement running high during this period, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant and ensure that their children are safe throughout the day.
Another concern that the ZRP has strongly addressed is pick-pocketing, which can quickly kill the fun when people lose their valuables. Visitors are therefore encouraged to take reasonable precautions and keep their belongings secure while enjoying the festivities.
The closing day also offers an opportunity for ZAS to remind visitors that the event is much more than an agricultural exhibition. It has evolved into a melting pot where business, entertainment, culture, fashion and family recreation converge.
With the show continuing to attract bigger crowds, more exhibitors and a diverse range of activities each year, ZAS has firmly established itself as an important fixture on Zimbabwe’s annual social and economic calendar.
There is no doubt that ZAS 2026 will leave a lasting impression, with its closing day once again providing a platform for families, businesses, entertainers and service providers to connect.
With each edition breaking new ground and creating fresh memories, the closing-day buzz is largely driven by inclusivity, particularly the deliberate effort to make children and families part of this annual gathering.
For many, it is not simply the end of an agricultural show, but the final celebration of another year of business, entertainment, family bonding and unforgettable memories at the Showgrounds.
