Surge in exhibitors at Zim Agric Show as Nyusi decries low trade figures
The 114th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) kicked off on a high note this year, with a significant increase in the number of foreign and local exhibitors compared to last year, despite the El Niño -induced drought that ravaged Southern Africa, an official has said.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, ZAS President Ngoni Kudenga said there has been a strong demand to exhibit at the annual event, which is a testament to the resilience and determination of the country’s agricultural sector.
“Despite the challenges posed by the drought, we have seen a remarkable increase in the number of local and foreign exhibitors at this year’s show as compared to last year. While we had only 5 foreign exhibitors last year, we are proud to welcome 12 this year, showcasing the growing interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural potential.
“For this year the available exhibit space is 78 224 m², a 2 percent increase from 77 000 m² that was there in 2023. This year the demand for exhibition space is very strong, with 564 exhibitors having taken up 78 224 m² of the total available space so far. This represents a significant increase from the previous year when 525 exhibitors occupied 73 000 m² of the available 77 000 m²,” he said.
To further support and empower the country’s farmers, Kudenga said the ZAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, will soon be launching two significant initiatives.
The first will be the Master Farming program designed to provide comprehensive training and guidance to farmers, while the second will be the introduction of an agriculture diploma course aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of aspiring agricultural professionals.
“These new programs are a testament to our commitment to the sustainable development of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector,” he said.
“By investing in the education and training of our farmers and future agricultural leaders, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and food-secure future for our nation,” he added.
The 114th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is expected to be a vibrant celebration of the country’s agricultural achievements, showcasing the latest technologies, innovative farming practices, and the unwavering spirit of the Zimbabwean farming community.
Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, was the guest of honor at this year’s event.
Nyusi toured exhibition stands with President Emmerson Mnangagwa before officially opening the showcase.
The show, which opened on Monday and ends this Saturday, is running under the theme, “Cultivating prosperity. Growing Business, Innovating for Change, Nurturing the Future”.
Officially opening the show, Nyusi bemoaned low business and trade between the two countries and said there was potential for more, which should be exploited.
“Dear brothers and sisters, today’s reality reflects a weak economic relationship between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. For example, from 2018 to the first half of 2024, Mozambique is exporting to Zimbabwe a total US$890 million and imports were in the term of US$161 million. This reality gives Mozambique a large surplus position, whose amount is less than 3 percent of the total volume of foreign transactions.
“The main products exported to Zimbabwe are electricity, minerals, chemicals, fertilizers, aluminum cables, oil and petroleum products, bitumen, minerals, among others, in addition to logistical services.
While on the import side, Mozambique acquired from Zimbabwe non-processed tobacco and its by-products to show corroborated paper and cardboard, insulated conductors for electrical use, seeds, cereal-based products, among other products. With respect to Zimbabwe investment approved in Mozambique over the last 10 years, there has been a total of 46 investment projects only, cemented at US$151 million, split into industrial sector at 33 percent, aquaculture and fisheries at 26 percent, tourism at 20 percent and agriculture and livestock at 12 percent.
“From the assessment of the above data, it can easily be concluded that bilateral exchanges and investment flows are far beyond the synergy potential of our countries in the face of the wider international market. This is where the concern of my brother, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa lies, which is also my concern. We need to reverse this situation and one of the immediate issues is our presence at this forum to reflect on the status of trade relations,” he said.
Nyusi used the opportunity to invite Zimbabwean companies to invest in Mozambique.
“Our participation at this important exhibition, dear brothers and sisters, represents our intention to attract Zimbabwean investors and advisors, as well as international investors from various sectors. With our will to mobilize investment not only in agriculture, we seek to stimulate our trade relations through allocating resources and availing infrastructure and logistical facilities,” he said.
He laid out the advantages of investing in Mozambique such as reforms made to alleviate red tape and bottlenecks related to the development of a one-stop shop for the opening of new business, a reviewed Investment Act, reduced Value Added Tax as well as connectivity by rail and road.
“Additionally, the other reason for Mozambique’s attractiveness to Zimbabwean investors is related infrastructural developments and worth highlighting is ports and railways infrastructure that enable connection to maritime roads of various countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and they are an alternative to the Dar es Salaam port. For all those reasons, it is our expectation that this fair will serve as a platform to promote our opportunities for cooperation and exchange in the area of various sectors listed here,” said Nyusi.
Nyusi expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe through the leadership of President Mnangagwa for cementing relations between the two countries during his 10-year tenure as Head of State.
“On October 9th, my country will elect the President of the Republic, Members of Parliament, the provincial governors, and members of the provincial assemblies. I will not run. It is at this moment I want on behalf of myself and my family to express my deep gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe, your government, Mr President, and to you, my dear brother, for the affection and support provided to me over the last 10 years that I have served the Mozambique people.
“I also want to thank the support of the people and the government of Zimbabwe in the fight through direct contribution and in the training of special forces in Mozambique. It has been a privilege to work tirelessly with you, Mr President, to keep alive the traditional relations of brotherhood between the Mozambican and the Zimbabwe people. I am proud of what we have achieved together,” he said.
The Mozambican ruling Frelimo has chosen regional governor Daniel Chapo as its new leader, making him the successor to President Filipe Nyusi if the party wins the October elections.
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