Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
UMZINGWANE District is set to host its sixth annual agriculture and trade expo next week, with organisers positioning the event as a platform to unlock markets, attract investment and foster partnerships among key economic sectors.
The expo will be held from 6 to 8 August at Ncema Valley Country Club in Esigodini, Matabeleland South, bringing together stakeholders from agriculture, mining, business, industry, tourism, education, hospitality, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Held under the theme “Unlocking Markets- Building Partnerships- Discovering Opportunities,” the district’s premier exhibition seeks to promote economic development through networking, knowledge exchange, business linkages and showcasing products, services and technologies.
In an interview, Umzingwane District Agritex extension officer Mr Bhekilizwe Ncube said the expo provides an important platform for farmers, miners, entrepreneurs and businesses to connect with potential markets and partners.
“We invite everyone to come and experience three exciting days of exhibitions, demonstrations, business networking, farmers and miners Indaba. We encourage organisations to take advantage of this unique platform to showcase their products, build partnerships, and engage directly with their target market,” he said.
Mr Ncube said the event would also welcome sponsorships and partnerships to support its growth and impact.
“Working together we want to unlock opportunities and build a prosperous Umzingwane. Exhibiting provides an opportunity to market products and services, generate business leads, meet potential customers, strengthen brand visibility, launch new products, and establish strategic partnerships with key stakeholders,” he said.
Visitors to the expo will be treated to livestock exhibitions, crop displays, mining showcases, machinery demonstrations, career guidance, financial services, youth innovation displays, cultural performances, food exhibitions and entertainment.
Mr Ncube said although agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy, the expo has evolved into a broader economic development platform incorporating mining, commerce, manufacturing, tourism, technology and financial services.
“It is a comprehensive platform for economic development,” he said.
The expo comes as Government continues to decentralise agricultural exhibitions to ward, zone, cluster and district levels to encourage farmers to embrace innovation, technology and value addition.
The grassroots exhibitions are feeding into the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, which will be held from 20 to 22 August under the theme “Unlocking new opportunities through collaboration.”
