Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
The 2026 edition of Zimbabwe Agricultural Show which got underway in Harare on Monday this week is the country’s largest agricultural exposition in the country which draws significant interest from local, regional and international visitors.
Marking its 116th year, this annual event has been a platform for showcasing the diverse value and growth potential of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector since its inception more than a century ago in 2019, ministry officials said Tuesday.
Last year’s exposition drew significant interest, attracting an average of between 200 000 and 250 000 visitors to the showgrounds in the capital.
This year’s show, themed: theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” aims to focus more on strengthening value chains and deepening trade links with regional and international partners.
In addition, the spotlight will be on putting policy, technology and climate-smart farming at the centre of new innovations, value chain deals and links between farmers, government and investors — both locally and across the SADC region.
Official opening
Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, accompanied by President Mnangagwa, will officially open the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) on Friday.
Exhibitors
Show organisers say more than 600 exhibitors are participating this year compared to 505 last year. All this shows expanding business confidence in the national premier agricultural showcase.
“This strong uptake reflects growing confidence in the show as the definitive marketplace where agriculture, technology and commerce converge to power growth, create jobs and unlock investment,” said ZAS chief executive officer Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu.
Participation
The Agric Show will spotlight agriculture as a growth industry, particularly through innovations like smart farms and the burgeoning food sector —with new advanced technologies in food production drawing participants from various sectors.
This exposition has attracted farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, technology companies, development partners and policymakers from Zimbabwe and beyond.
It has created a platform to showcase innovations, establish commercial partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
High profile discussions
High – profile discussions at the ZAS will focus on new and emerging issues – Artificial Intelligence, new technologies and agricultural research among other issues. A series of high-level business interfaces and policy discussions will be held during the week-long event.
These include the Green Indaba, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce agribusiness forum, the Annual National Agribusiness Conference, an Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Conference, the ESG Conference and the Research for Agricultural Excellence Technology Indaba.
Competition
The show will also feature competitions across livestock, crops and agri-produce, among other key sectors.
Farmers will vie for top spots in several categories as they exhibit improved breeds, crop varieties and value-added products.
Apart from competition, spaces will offer attendees the opportunity to explore various exhibits and engage in hands-on programmes to gain new information and expertise.
Entertainment galore
ZAS 2026 will feature impressive displays and an array of entertainment that will thrill crowds.
Live musical performances, brand activations, and fireworks highlight the entertainment line-up at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
Performances by popular musician Jah Prayzah and fireworks displays are among the top attractions at the agricultural exposition.
Convenience and security
ZAS organisers have introduced several measures aimed at improving convenience and security for exhibitors and visitors.
“As management, we are deliberate about improving the visitor experience. To enhance visitor convenience, we have introduced online registration, online ticket sales, agent ticket sales, additional entry gates, and expanded and more secure parking areas,” said Gunundu.
