Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
It’s that time of year again when the Harare Exhibition Park comes alive with excitement and fun, promising an unforgettable experience.
The 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show ends today, bringing a week-long celebration that has become a beloved tradition for many.
As is customary, families will explore various stands, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
With most show-goers preferring to attend this fête on the closing day, thousands are expected, judging by its appeal. Long queues snaking along Samora Machel Avenue as early as 9am is usually a common sight that is hard to ignore.
Sometimes, chaos reigns supreme outside the Showgrounds, with many ready to catch the fun.
Some lose their valuables while others get injured during stampedes, which is not part of the plan.
The ZAS buzz has always been like that for ages now. Being one of the biggest gatherings where commerce meets hospitality, the euphoria surrounding the 2025 ZAS has heightened.
Popular exhibits, particularly those hosted by local radio stations like Star FM, Radio Zimbabwe, and Power FM, shine brightly with an array of giveaways and engaging activities. The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correction Services (ZPCS) stand, which has become popular, was already on fire from the opening day.
“I always have fun with my kids at the ZPCS stand because they have mastered the art of entertaining families. The guys are good, and I am definitely coming back to have more fun with them,” shared Mai Mitshie from Warren Park 1 in Harare.
“Today, I thoroughly enjoyed their performance, especially Chigudogudo, who used to be popular with fans. You can’t take anything from him because he is super talented. I just hope that he finishes his jail term and comes back to give fans what they used to enjoy over the years.”
For the fun-loving crowd, Jah Prayzah will be in action between 7 and 8pm.
“To all my fans, may you kindly come and watch my performance on August 30 at the Harare Agricultural Show (now Zimbabwe Agricultural Show). I will be there in full force performing with my band,” Jah Prayzah shared in his video drop, which has since received thousands of positive comments.
With the national promotion of gastronomy tourism, foodies are spoiled for choice with all the delicacies at the stage.
“I love my food and have been enjoying so many traditional delicacies which were served here. I have been longing for this over the years, and I can’t complain because the guys are good.
“It is my hope, that this promotion of African delicacies continues even after ZAS 2025. We are a unique nation that can pride itself in its diet, endorsed by many show-goers,” shared Thulani Chibizhe, a Harare-based dealer.
“Growing up, I heard that our fathers lived for so many years because they used to eat these delicacies. I got a life-changing lesson here, and I will be back on Saturday for the closing night to witness the fireworks as usual,” he added.
On the business side, a new breed of entrepreneurs will be showcasing their wares inside the venue. True to ZAS 2025’s theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry, and Community,” this year’s edition has left many entrepreneurs brimming with confidence.
As has become the norm, major business events include the Golf Tournament, Annual ZAS Schools Quiz, Annual National Agribusiness Conference, Exhibitors Cocktail, Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards, Environmental, Social and Governance Conference, and the Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba.
All this was meant to celebrate ZAS 2025, where history has been made.
This annual gathering is more than a business expo; it’s a gathering of big minds where commerce and hospitality take centre stage.
For the fun-loving people, they will be spoiled for choice as a wide range of activities — from clowns and dancers to live music performances — are being offered.
This has always been a staple at this gathering, which is evolving each year.
It has motivated new businesses to establish their empires and be counted among established corporations.
A visit to one of the stands, which focuses on agricultural material, dubbed Kurima Stand, showed that they have improved in terms of display due to digitalisation.
Kurima Centre stand, national sales manager Alex Maronjese, said business is usual and exciting as the Agricultural Show gives people opportunity to interact and network, as well as boost business.
“Our stand is a hub of excitement. We are happy to be exhibiting, and what we liked the most is how the locals were flocking to our stand, wanting to know more about our products, especially the 30-horsepower tractor, which has caused a stir,” said Maronjese.
“We had tongues waggling and a site engineer to explain how it performs the agricultural tasks like ploughing, tilling, sowing, and hauling, and is also suitable for orchard work, landscaping, and light industrial jobs.”
The manager added that they have been exhibiting for two years, and each year, because of a different theme set by ZAS, they bring out the best of their stand.
“We are still young babies compared to others, but we always do the best and are happy that the agricultural aspect is ours. We might not have won the best stand, but the data base of locals who have visited our stand makes us want to continue exploring and exhibiting more.”
Explaining more on their brand visibility and how the agricultural show has an impact on community, Maronjese said, many locals benefit from the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show by gaining knowledge on new farming technologies and techniques, connecting with service providers and market opportunities, accessing vital information on health and social security services, and finding inspiration to start their own agricultural ventures.
“The show also provides farmers with training, facilitates networking and knowledge exchange, and promotes economic development by showcasing local products and innovation.”
“There are also educational benefits, which include how we can learn new agronomic practices and crop management techniques from experts and other farmers, fostering an environment of shared learning and innovation, of which this is what we do,” he said.
“The show has created opportunities for farmers to connect with potential buyers and businesses, establishing a market linkages that lead to increased sales of their produce.”
However, for the hospitality industry, this annual event has been a blessing, as it allows for the exchange of ideas with established players in the field.
In terms of entertainment, new stars are being born at this annual event, bringing more cheers to winners and jeers to their rivals.
However, the true spirit of unity and love has always prevailed, although bad apples will always be there to spoil the real fun.
After all, it’s this time around when show-goers meet some of their favourite radio and television personalities here at the Harare Exhibition Park.
As the curtain comes down, fun and good memories are guaranteed.
The 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show has not only provided entertainment but also fostered community spirit, showcasing the vibrant culture and creativity of Zimbabwe.
As families and friends gather to celebrate, the legacy of ZAS continues to thrive, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating what next year will bring.
