Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare and Precious Manomano
THE Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) is targeting 630 exhibitors for this year’s 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, with 66 000 square metres of exhibition space already taken up by 350 confirmed local and international exhibitors, signalling strong business confidence ahead of the country’s premier agricultural showcase.
The 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will run from August 24 to 29 under the theme, “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge”.
Addressing journalists in Harare last week, ZAS chief executive officer Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said preparations for this year’s exhibition were progressing well, with bookings continuing to come in weeks before the opening day.
“ZAS 116 is shaping up to be one of the most expansive editions yet. Our target is 630 exhibitors across 89 000 square metres of exhibition space,” said Mr Gunundu.
“To date, we have confirmed 350 exhibitors, comprising both local and international companies, who have booked 66 000 square metres of space.”
He said the encouraging uptake demonstrated growing confidence in the annual exhibition as Zimbabwe’s leading platform for promoting agriculture, innovation and commerce.
“This strong uptake reflects growing confidence in the Show as the definitive marketplace where agriculture, technology and commerce converge to power growth, create jobs and unlock investment,” he said.
The annual exhibition is expected to attract farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, technology companies, development partners and policymakers from Zimbabwe and beyond, providing opportunities to showcase innovations, establish commercial partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
As part of efforts to deepen dialogue within the agricultural sector, ZAS has lined up a series of high-level business interfaces and policy discussions during the week-long event.
These include the Livestock Conference, which will focus on building resilient livestock systems towards achieving a US$15,8 billion agricultural economy by 2030, the Green Indaba, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce agribusiness forum, the Annual National Agribusiness Conference, an Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Conference, the ESG Conference and the Research for Agricultural Excellence Technology Indaba.
The show will also feature competitions across livestock, crops and agri-produce, with organisers reporting strong participation in several categories as farmers prepare to exhibit improved breeds, crop varieties and value-added products.
Beyond agriculture and business, visitors can expect family entertainment, including performances by popular musician Jah Prayzah and fireworks displays on selected evenings during the exhibition.
Mr Gunundu said ZAS had also introduced several measures aimed at improving convenience and security for exhibitors and visitors.
“As management, we are deliberate about improving the visitor experience. To enhance visitor convenience, we have introduced online registration, online ticket sales, agent ticket sales, additional entry gates, and expanded and more secure parking areas,” he said.
He added that security remained a top priority.
“This year we have significantly strengthened measures with the installation and upgrading of CCTVs in the business hub to ensure the safety of all attendees,” said Mr Gunundu.
“In partnership with our stakeholders, children will once again be tagged to support child safety and facilitate quick reunification in the event of separation.”
The official opening ceremony of the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is scheduled for Friday, August 28, with organisers saying further announcements regarding the event will be made in due course.
