The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show opened in Harare, today, with 640 exhibitors, although public attendance was still low in the opening hours, while some exhibitors were putting the finishing touches to their stands. The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will run until 29 August, with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expected to officially open the event on Friday.
The show, which runs under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge”, has attracted 4,4% more exhibitors than last year, when 613 participated.
Despite the increased participation, the exhibition got off to a relatively slow start, with only a handfull of members of the public visiting the showgrounds as exhibitors continued setting up and preparing their displays.
All major exhibition halls have been fully subscribed, with exhibition space increasing to 89 500 square metres from 89 000 square metres last year.
Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, Chief Executive Officer, Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said the increased participation reflected growing confidence in the show as a platform for business, innovation and market access.
“This year’s figures confirm increased confidence and participation across agriculture and agribusiness,” said Mr Gunundu.
The show has attracted 86 new exhibitors, representing 13,4% of the total, with the ZAS saying the influx demonstrated growing interest from businesses seeking to expand their markets and establish new commercial relationships.
International participation has also increased, with 13 foreign exhibitors taking part compared with 11 last year. Exhibitors from South Africa, China, Zambia and other trading partners are expected to showcase their products and services.
The livestock section is expected to be another major attraction, with pure pedigree and fat-stock entries rising to 126 from 84 last year.
For the first time in the show’s history, ostriches will also be exhibited and judged, adding a new feature to the livestock section.
The programme includes commercial stand judging, schools’ competitions and farmer training programmes, with the exhibition providing a platform for stakeholders to explore the role of technology and commerce in driving agricultural productivity and growth.
This edition of the Agricultural Show runs from 24 to 29 August 2026.
