By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is impressed with Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, adding that South Africa will adopt some of the agronomic practices.
Ramaphosa is in a working visit to Zimbabwe and he is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes and other senior government officials on this trip.
Ramaphosa and his counterpart president Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, toured the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), where exhibitors have taken up over 79,500 square meters of the available 86,500 square meters, with around 580 exhibitors showcasing their innovations across agriculture, industry, and other key sectors.
In 2024, the show attracted 570 exhibitors, including 13 international exhibitors. About 230,000 visitors visited the show last year.
The tour began at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) stand, before they proceeded to the Midlands State University and ARDA stands, where they were briefed on innovations aimed at strengthening agricultural development.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will help promote intra-regional trade and economic integration within the SADC region.
Vegetables were the main exports and contributed R11,9 billion to the total exports to Zimbabwe.
In terms of imports, in 2024, South Africa imported R5.4 billion worth of goods and merchandise from Zimbabwe compared to R4.4 billion in 2023.
Ramaphosa says he has learnt a lot from Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, adding that South Africa will adopt some of the agronomic practices.
“Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy. Today I have seen and heard for myself the progress that you have made.”
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of collaboration among neighbouring countries.
He said it is important that countries embrace new technologies in agriculture. Such innovation will be the key as we build resilience in pursuit of food security,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the hosting of the ZAS resonates with SADC’s agricultural goals.
The two presidents were among the leaders who attended the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Madagascar this month.
Meanwhile, former Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary spokesperson on International Relations Emma Powell stated on X that Ramaphosa’s trip to Zimbabwe was “a farce”.
Powell came under fire from the African National Congress for allegedly spreading disinformation about South Africa during a trip to the US, and for allegedly undermining the South African government’s efforts to roll back the US’s tariff regime, amid the strained relationship between both countries.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show remains a key event for showcasing innovation, fostering partnerships and advancing agribusiness across the region.