By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Harare to participate in the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
“The visit will provide the President with an opportunity to solidify the cordial relations that exist between South Africa and Zimbabwe, particularly in the economic sector,” presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show serves as a platform to promote cross-border linkages, innovation in farming and sustainable food production priorities that resonate across the Southern African Development Community.
The visit comes at the invitation of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and includes both ceremonial and working components.
Ramaphosa will serve be the guest of honour at the show’s 130th anniversary celebrations, while also engaging in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral and regional ties.
The show, organised by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, has been a fixture of the country’s economic and cultural calendar since its founding in 1895.
This year’s its being held under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce”.
In 2024, the show drew 570 exhibitors, including 13 international participants and welcomed about 230,000 visitors.
Organisers expect even stronger attendance this year, given the show’s symbolic anniversary and the participation of Ramaphosa, the first South African president to attend in three decades.
Former president Nelson Mandela last graced the event as the guest of honour on 26 August 1994.
The president’s participation in Harare comes against a backdrop of growing trade and investment between the two neighbours.
Zimbabwe is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, with bilateral trade showing steady growth over the past two years.
According to official figures, South Africa exported goods worth R69.21 billion to Zimbabwe in 2024, up from R57.5 billion in 2023.
Vegetables led the list of exports, contributing R11.9 billion to the total.
Imports from Zimbabwe also increased, reaching R5.4 billion in 2024 compared to R4.4 billion the previous year.
This exchange reflects the expanding integration of the two economies, especially in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
More than 120 South African companies currently operate in Zimbabwe across a wide range of sectors, including mining, aviation, banking, tourism, property, retail, construction and fast food.
Many view these investments as a vital element of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and industrial diversification, while also providing South African businesses with access to new markets.
Experts note that with climate change, food insecurity and global supply chain disruptions pressing heavily on African economies, platforms like the Harare show can help mobilise resources, share best practices and strengthen resilience across the region.
Ramaphosa is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes and senior government officials.
The visit comes at a time when Zimbabwe is working to revitalise its economy, rebuild infrastructure, and restore investor confidence after years of economic challenges.
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