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THE ongoing 9th East and Southern African Dairy Associations (Esada) conference and exhibition has set a record for the highest number of delegates in the history of the organisation.
Formed in 2004, Esada has the mission to lobby for policies that promote the growth of the dairy sector and increase trade in dairy products.
Esada chairman Dr Kipkirui Lang’at told delegates attending the three-day conference in Harare that over 450 participants were taking part at the three-day conference, with over 130 of them coming from Kenya.
“The number of delegates we have received this year is a record for Esada,” Lang’at said to applause from the delegates.
The event, being held under the theme “Enhancing Africa food security, the milky way” is being attended by foreign delegates from countries including Egypt, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Rwanda, Madagascar, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia.
Some participants are from countries which are not members of Esada including Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, Eritrea, Poland, Denmark and United Arab Emirates.
The record attendance follows hard on the heels of the one at the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) which Zimbabwe and Zambia hosted in August.
Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said Zimbabwe’s ability to host the Esada meeting had been shrouded in doubt before the country held the 31 July elections.
“At one stage there was an element of doubt as to whether this event would take place,” he said, as he thanked the organisation for expressing its confidence in Zimbabwe.
Dairibord Holdings chief executive officer Mr Anthony Mandiwanza said hosting the conference put Zimbabwe on the world map.
“It is good for Zimbabwe to be able to host such an occasion after successfully co-hosting the UNWTO. It puts Zimbabwe on the right map to showcase its potential and hospitality,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust chaired by Mr Thompson Mabika is hosting the event.
Kenya will next year host the 10th Esada conference from September 24 to 26. —New Ziana
Online Reporter