Over 400 exhibitors register for agric show

Standrick Chagadama

MORE than 430 exhibitors had by last week registered to participate in the 114th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show scheduled to run from August 26 to 31.

Around the same time last year, 410 exhibitors had registered. Ahead of this year’s event, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) has upgraded its security by deploying an ultra-modern CCTV camera system and drones for surveillance. Organisers have also installed a new turnstile and ticketing system.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, ZAS chief executive officer Dr Andrew Matibiri said: “Space uptake to date is 67 948m2 by 430 exhibitors (as at August 15, 2024).

“To date, foreign exhibitors from India, South Africa, Zambia, Pakistan, Eswatini, Japan, Russia, Mozambique, China, Malawi and Tanzania have confirmed their participation.”

The event will be officially opened on August 27 by an “invited Head of State, who will be the guest of honour, and full details will be provided in due course”.

“On Wednesday, August 28, the ZAS and the National Economic Consultative Forum are partnering again to host the 12th Annual National Agribusiness Conference, which will be focused on ‘Cultivating Prosperity: Seeding Solutions for Livestock Sustainability’.

“On Thursday, August 29, the ZAS and Mejrkh (Communications and Media Advisory) are partnering to host the Environmental, Social and Governance Conference at the Rainbow Towers, which will be attended by captains of industry and policymakers in both fields.”

The Research for Agricultural Excellence Indaba and the Diplomatic Network Business Conference will be held on Thursday at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Business Hub.

A brands parade, open to all exhibitors and sponsors, will be held on August 26, moving from Simon Muzenda Street to the Business Hub. Fireworks displays will be held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Musicians Winky D, ExQ and Killer T are scheduled to provide entertainment in the Glamis Arena.

This year’s show is running under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing Our Future”.