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President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a working visit at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The South African leader will attend the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as Guest of Honour.
The show, organised annually by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, is the country’s largest exhibition aimed at promoting agricultural development and fostering links with industry and commerce. This year’s edition is particularly historic as it marks the 130th anniversary of the event since its establishment in 1895. Running under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce”, the show is expected to attract thousands of visitors and exhibitors.
In 2024, the event hosted 570 exhibitors, including 13 international participants, and drew more than 230,000 visitors. This year, organisers are expecting even greater participation as the show continues to expand its regional and international footprint.
The Presidency emphasised that Ramaphosa’s participation will not only celebrate agricultural progress but also strengthen bilateral and regional ties. “The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will help promote intra-regional trade and economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” a statement said.
Zimbabwe remains one of South Africa’s key trading partners in the region. In 2024, South Africa exported goods worth R69.21 billion to Zimbabwe, compared with R57.5 billion in 2023. Vegetables topped the list of exports, contributing R11.9 billion to the total. Imports from Zimbabwe also rose to R5.4 billion in 2024, up from R4.4 billion the previous year.
More than 120 South African companies currently operate in Zimbabwe across sectors such as mining, aviation, banking, tourism, retail, construction and fast food, reflecting the depth of economic ties between the two nations.
The event carries historic significance for South Africa as well. Former President Nelson Mandela attended the show as Guest of Honour on 26 August 1994, underscoring its symbolic importance in regional cooperation.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, along with senior government officials, during his working visit.
