By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – When the gates of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show open on August 24, they will usher in more than another annual exhibition. They will signal a renewed national conversation on how agriculture can drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation through innovation, technology and stronger commercial linkages.
Running under the theme, “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show reflects a strategic shift from viewing agriculture solely as food production to positioning it as a modern, technology-driven and commercially competitive sector.
The theme comes at a time when Zimbabwe is placing greater emphasis on value addition, industrialisation and export-led growth under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030. It recognises that higher production alone is no longer sufficient, but that productivity must be matched with innovation, efficient markets and investment to generate sustainable economic growth.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society says the show will provide a national platform where farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, technology developers, financial institutions, policymakers and development partners can collaborate to strengthen agricultural value chains and unlock new opportunities.
Preparations for the exhibition are already gathering momentum, with organisers targeting 630 exhibitors across 89,000 square metres of exhibition space. To date, 350 local and international exhibitors have confirmed participation, occupying more than 66,000 square metres, reflecting growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural showcase.
Beyond showcasing livestock, crop production and agricultural products, this year’s exhibition is expected to highlight how digital technologies, mechanisation, climate-smart farming, improved genetics and modern processing systems are reshaping Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape.
The emphasis on technology demonstrates the sector’s growing adoption of innovation as farmers seek to improve productivity, enhance climate resilience and remain competitive in both domestic and export markets.
Commerce forms the third pillar of this year’s theme, acknowledging that successful agriculture depends not only on production but also on strong market systems, access to finance, agro-processing industries and efficient trade networks. These linkages are expected to receive considerable attention during the six-day exhibition as stakeholders explore new partnerships and investment opportunities.
The show is also expected to provide an important policy dialogue platform where government, industry leaders and development partners will exchange ideas on strategies aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation and strengthening Zimbabwe’s economy.
Visitors can also expect an improved exhibition experience following the introduction of online registration, online ticket sales, expanded entry points and additional secure parking facilities. Enhanced security measures, including upgraded CCTV surveillance and child-tagging services, are also being implemented to improve safety throughout the event.
While business remains the primary focus, entertainment will complement the exhibition, with performances by leading local musicians, including Jah Prayzah, alongside fireworks displays and family-oriented activities at the Glamis Arena.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 28, and is expected to attract senior Government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, investors and thousands of visitors from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
As Zimbabwe continues pursuing agricultural modernisation and industrial development, the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is expected to demonstrate that the future of agriculture lies in the successful integration of production, technology and commerce. By bringing together innovators, investors and producers under one platform, the exhibition reinforces agriculture’s growing role as a catalyst for economic growth, employment creation and national development.
