The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) expects this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be one of its biggest editions yet, with organisers targeting 630 exhibitors as the country seeks to accelerate agricultural transformation through innovation, technology and commerce.
Running from 24 to 29 August under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” the 116th edition of the annual exhibition is expected to bring together farmers, agribusinesses, technology companies, researchers and policymakers to showcase innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food systems.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Thursday, ZAS said 350 local and international exhibitors had already confirmed participation, occupying 66,000 square metres of exhibition space, with organisers aiming to fill 89,000 square metres before the show opens.
Organisers said, “the strong uptake reflects growing confidence in the exhibition as a platform for investment, job creation and commercial partnerships across Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chains.”
The show will feature livestock, crop and agri-produce competitions, with entries increasing significantly in several categories. Poultry entries have risen from 105 last year to 269, while tobacco entries have more than doubled from 51 in 2025 to 120 this year, signalling increased farmer participation and confidence in production.
According to ZAS, the tobacco sector has recorded a 135 percent increase in entries, driven by greater participation from Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces and growing interest in both flue-cured and naturally cured tobacco.
The society also highlighted continued interest in cotton, agri-produce and micro-enterprises, where exhibitors will showcase improved crop varieties, mechanisation, food processing, packaging, crafts and other value-added products, with women and youth expected to play a prominent role.
Several policy dialogues and business forums will run alongside the exhibition, including a Green Indaba focusing on sustainable growth through youth innovation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment, an Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture conference, and a Research for Agricultural Excellence Technology Indaba aimed at promoting research-driven agricultural development.
Organisers also added that the event will also introduce enhanced visitor services, including online registration, digital ticketing, expanded parking and strengthened security systems featuring upgraded CCTV surveillance. Children attending the show will again receive identification tags to improve safety.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 28 August, with further details expected to be announced closer to the event.
