Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
THE country’s premier agricultural showcase, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, roars into life today at the Exhibition Park in Harare.
About 640 exhibitors are expected to display their products and services.
Running until Saturday, the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) has recorded a 4,4 percent increase in exhibitors from 630 who participated last year, with all exhibition halls fully subscribed.
The event will run under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge”.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to officially open this year’s edition.
ZAS CEO Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said the increased participation reflected growing confidence in the show as a platform for business, innovation and market access.
He said the growth also demonstrated the continued appeal of the show to both local and international exhibitors.
“ZASC 2026 has registered strong growth in the number of exhibitors, rising from 630 last year to 640 this year,” he said.
“New exhibitors stand at 86, representing a significant 13,4 percent of all exhibitors. This is a clear indication that there is growing interest in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.”
The show has also recorded an increase in foreign participation, with foreign exhibitors now accounting for 18 percent, up from 11 percent last year. Gunundu said the increase in international participation would provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with exhibitors from different markets while gaining exposure to new products, technologies and ideas.
“Foreign exhibitors have gone up from 11 percent last year to 18 percent this year, which is very encouraging,” he said.
“This growth in foreign participation brings diversity to the show and creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, business linkages and exposure to international products and innovations.”
This year’s showcase will also feature ostriches for the first time, adding another unusual attraction to the wide range of products and services on display. “An exciting development is that we are showcasing ostriches for the first time in history,” Gunundu said.
He said the exhibition had something for everyone, urging members of the public to attend the show and experience the various attractions on offer.
“We invite people from all walks of life to come and join us. There is everything for everyone,” Gunundu said.
