By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) — President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Friday expected to officially open the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), as the premier showcase places technology, commercialisation and climate resilience at the centre of efforts to transform the sector.
The annual agricultural showcase, which began on Monday, and runs until Saturday, has attracted a record 640 exhibitors, who are displaying a wide range of products, technologies, machinery and innovations designed to enhance productivity and strengthen the resilience of the Zimbabwean farming sector.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who had initially been scheduled to officiate as guest of honour at the official opening ceremony, became unavailable due to unforeseen commitments in her countyry, resulting in last-minute changes to the program.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka confirmed to the media at the showgrounds in Harare on Thursday that President Mnangagwa would now officially open the exhibition, having previously done the same for the 113th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in 2023.
This year the event is being held under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge.”
According to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), the theme reflects the growing importance of integrating productive farming systems with technological innovation and stronger commercial linkages to drive sustainable growth and inclusive rural transformation.
The show provides a platform for farmers, agribusinesses, investors, policymakers, researchers and technology providers to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and forge partnerships aimed at improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness.
The ZAS says this year the showcase is also intended to promote market-oriented production and value-chain development, encourage investment in agriculture and agro-industrialisation, strengthen links between research and production, and facilitate policy dialogue on agricultural transformation and economic growth.
The record exhibitor turnout underscores the growing importance of the show as a meeting point between agriculture, business and technology.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show traces its institutional roots to 1895 when it was established, with a mandate to promote agriculture and activities supporting agricultural development in the then Rhodesia, making the 2026 edition part of a heritage spanning more than a century.
Over the decades, the annual show has evolved beyond a traditional agricultural exhibition into a major business, investment, technology and knowledge-sharing platform.
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