Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Projects Biggest Show in 131 Years

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most monumental exhibitions in its 131-year history. As the nation prepares for the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, scheduled to run from August 24 to 29, 2026, organizers are projecting unprecedented participation. Under the guiding theme, “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” the event is expected to host 630 exhibitors across an expansive 89,000 square meters of exhibition space.

In a press briefing held in Harare on Thursday, ZAS Chief Executive Officer Rufaro Gunundu outlined the robust preparations underway for the country’s premier agricultural exhibition. Already, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with 350 exhibitors confirmed and having secured 66,000 square meters of space. These participants include a diverse mix of local and international enterprises.

“This is the country’s premier platform for showcasing agricultural innovation, agribusiness opportunities and commercial excellence,” Gunundu stated, welcoming the media to the official launch.

He emphasized that the sheer scale of this year’s iteration is a testament to the growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The convergence of farming, technology, and commerce is seen as a critical driver for economic expansion, employment generation, and foreign investment.

A particularly striking metric for this year’s show is the surge in tobacco entries, which have skyrocketed to 120—a staggering 135 percent increase from the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to heightened participation from the Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces, spanning both Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) and Naturally Cured Virginia (NCV) categories.

Beyond tobacco, the exhibition highlights the resilience and modernization of other key sectors. The cotton segment maintains a solid presence with 40 entries, emphasizing advancements in crop varieties, mechanization, and value addition. Similarly, the agri-produce section has seen a notable influx of processors, reflecting a renewed industry focus on food safety, sophisticated packaging, and broader market access.

Innovation and inclusivity are also at the forefront of the upcoming event. The Micro Enterprise and Home Industries section continues to grow, spotlighting creative strides in food processing, leather goods, crafts, and cosmetics, with a pronounced emphasis on empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. The livestock segment remains robust, drawing sustained interest across beef and dairy cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and poultry, a clear indicator of the sector’s vitality.

To complement the exhibition, Gunundu unveiled an extensive schedule of strategic engagements designed to foster dialogue among government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and investors. The agenda kicks off with the Livestock Conference on August 5, dedicated to building resilient farming systems, followed by the ZAS Charity Golf Tournament on August 7. The latter will raise crucial funds for the ZAS Royal Agriculture Diploma Scholarship Programme, supporting disadvantaged students.

During the main exhibition week, the schedule is packed with high-level conferences. Delegates will engage in the Green Indaba on August 24, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Conference on August 25, and the Annual National Agribusiness Conference (ANAC). A highlight on August 26 will be the AI in Agriculture Conference and Dinner, co-organized with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services. Additional marquee events include the Exhibitors’ Cocktail, the Research for Agriculture Conference, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Conference, and the Excellence Technology Indaba, focusing on enterprise development and technological innovation.

The grand finale, the official opening ceremony, is slated for Friday, August 28, 2026, with comprehensive logistical preparations underway to ensure the event’s prestigious reputation is upheld.

Recognizing the importance of public engagement, the show will feature a vibrant entertainment lineup at the Glamis Arena. Families can expect live performances from renowned local artists, complemented by spectacular fireworks displays on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

To ensure a seamless and secure experience for attendees, ZAS has implemented significant operational upgrades. These include a transition to online registration and ticket sales, the addition of new entry gates, and expanded secure parking. Furthermore, security infrastructure at the Business Hub has been fortified with upgraded closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, and a proven child-tagging program will be reinstated to ensure the safety and quick reunification of lost children.

Concluding the briefing, Gunundu extended an open invitation to exhibitors, stakeholders, and the general public to take part in what he described as the nation’s flagship agricultural event. “The exhibition remains a vital platform for promoting agricultural innovation, strengthening value chains and accelerating national economic development,” he affirmed, underscoring the profound impact of the gathering on Zimbabwe’s future.