President Ramaphosa to open this year’s show

Debra Matabvu

SOUTH AFRICAN President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare this week.

The week-long event, which kicked off yesterday, has already drawn hundreds of visitors, including schoolchildren, who toured exhibition stands and took part in various activities.

Running under the theme, “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community”, this year’s show seeks to highlight the pivotal role of agriculture in driving national development.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi confirmed President Ramaphosa’s participation.

“Yes, President Ramaphosa will officially open this year’s agricultural show,” he said.

“More details will be shared in the days to come.”

At least 505 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products and services, including 12 international participants from Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, India, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

ZAS chief executive Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu expressed optimism about this year’s edition.

“We are expecting a good agricultural show this year,” he said.

“We are happy about the preparations.

“So far, we are on top of everything.

“We have prepared well for the show and we are expecting the number of exhibitors to rise.

“The show remains a key platform to showcase the achievements of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and engage on opportunities and challenges affecting the industry.”

The programme will feature a variety of high-profile activities, including a schools’ quiz tournament, a food security business breakfast meeting, the annual National Agricultural Business Conference, and an exhibitors’ cocktail party.

Other highlights include the Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards, an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) conference, and the Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba.

Former Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi officially opened last year’s edition of ZAS.