Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Chief Executive Officer, Rufaro Alfred Gunundu (pic by Daphne Machiri)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) has introduced a number of measures aimed at improving visitors’ experience, strengthening security and enhancing the safety of children ahead of the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
Speaking during a press conference in Harare today (Thursday July 23, 2026), ZAS Chief Executive Officer Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said this year’s show, which will run from August 24 to 29 under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” will place strong emphasis on convenience and safety for exhibitors and visitors.
Gunundu said ZAS had rolled out online registration and online ticket sales to make it easier for people to access the show while reducing congestion at entry points.
“As management, we are deliberate about improving the visitor experience. To enhance visitor convenience, we have introduced online registration, online ticket sales, agent ticket sales, additional entry gates, and expanded and more secure parking areas,” said Gunundu.
He said the improvements are part of the society’s efforts to ensure that visitors spend more time enjoying the exhibition and less time waiting in queues.
Gunundu said security has also been strengthened to provide a safe environment for the thousands of people expected to attend the country’s premier agricultural exhibition.
“Security remains a top priority for the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society. This year we have significantly strengthened measures with the installation and upgrading of CCTV cameras in the Business Hub to ensure the safety of all attendees,” he said.
Gunundu also urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the child tagging programme, which has become a key safety feature at the annual exhibition.
“In partnership with our stakeholders, children will once again be tagged to support child safety and facilitate quick reunification in the event of separation. We urge all parents and guardians to make use of this service,” said Gunundu.
Beyond agriculture and business, this year’s show will also offer family entertainment, with Glamis Arena set to host live performances by top musicians, including Jah Prayzah, as well as fireworks displays on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, preparations for the exhibition are gathering momentum, with ZAS targeting 630 exhibitors occupying 89,000 square metres of exhibition space.
And so far, 350 local and international exhibitors have confirmed participation, booking 66,000 square metres of space.
Gunundu said the positive response from exhibitors reflects growing confidence in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as the country’s leading platform for agriculture, technology and commerce.
The exhibition will also feature a series of high-level conferences and business engagements aimed at promoting innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
Among the key events are the Livestock Conference, Green Indaba, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Business Forum, the Annual National Agribusiness Conference, the Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Conference and Dinner, the Exhibitors’ Cocktail, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Conference, and the Research, Technology and Enterprise Development Indaba.
The official opening ceremony of the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is scheduled for Friday, August 28, with organisers saying preparations are at an advanced stage to ensure the event maintains its status as Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural exhibition.
