President Ramaphosa to Open 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit Harare this Friday, where he will officially open the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) — the country’s premier annual trade and agriculture exhibition.

The event, which commenced on Monday, is set to run for a full week and has already drawn hundreds of attendees, including schoolchildren actively participating in exhibitions and interactive activities. This year’s edition is being held under the theme: “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community.”

Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, confirmed Ramaphosa’s involvement, stating that further details about his itinerary would be announced shortly.

Widespread International Engagement

A total of 505 exhibitors have confirmed their participation this year, with 12 international companies represented. These firms hail from countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, India, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Zimbabwe Agricultural Society CEO Rufaro Alfred Gunundu expressed satisfaction with the event’s planning and execution, noting that organizers are optimistic about increased participation and overall success.

“We’re pleased with the level of preparation. Everything is on track, and we’re hopeful more exhibitors will still come on board,” said Gunundu. He also emphasized the show’s significance as a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s agricultural achievements and to engage with ongoing challenges in the sector.

Diverse Line-Up of Activities

The 2025 edition boasts a robust programme, featuring a schools’ quiz competition, a business breakfast focused on food security, the annual National Agricultural Business Conference, and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards.

Additional events include a dedicated conference on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, a Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology indaba, and a networking cocktail for exhibitors.

Competitions remain a central feature, with 300 provincial winners set to compete in various categories judged by a regional panel. The livestock section has seen 499 entries, while over 1,600 entries have been submitted in the agri-produce categories by 112 farmers.

As one of Zimbabwe’s flagship national events, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show continues to attract thousands of visitors and plays a key role in strengthening both regional agricultural development and industrial collaboration.