By a Correspondent
Value addition will take centre stage at this year’s 101st Midlands Agricultural Show as organisers seek to promote the local processing of Zimbabwe’s abundant raw materials into finished products that create jobs, grow industries and boost economic development.
Running from August 13 to 16 under the theme “Value Addition: The Key to Competitiveness,” the annual exhibition is expected to attract a record 160 exhibitors, surpassing last year’s participation of about 130 companies.
Preparations are at an advanced stage, with 123 exhibitors having already confirmed their participation and fully paid for exhibition space, representing about 77% of the targeted number of exhibitors.
A further 37 companies have confirmed their participation and are expected to complete the registration process before the show opens.
Midlands Show Society chairperson Augustine Mupakurirwa said the strong response from exhibitors reflected growing confidence in the exhibition while aligning with this year’s focus on value addition.
“We are targeting over 160 exhibitors and already have 123 companies that have confirmed and paid, while another 37 have confirmed but are yet to pay,” Mupakurirwa said.
“Last year we had around 130 exhibitors, so this year’s response is already an improvement.”
Mupakurirwa said the show’s theme highlighted the need for Zimbabwe to process its raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their primary form.
“We are encouraging our people in Zimbabwe to value-add our raw materials. We have abundant minerals and agricultural produce, and by processing them locally we create more jobs, grow our economy, increase our GDP and put more money into the pockets of our people and the nation,” he said.
He said preparations for the exhibition were progressing smoothly after the society resolved challenges that had emerged ahead of its annual general meeting.
“We are fully operational and everyone is playing their part to make sure this year’s show is a success,” he said.
The exhibition will welcome 13 first-time exhibitors, including CBZ Bank, Gweru City Parking, Willeyeck Engineering, Bakers Inn, Supreme Feeds, Murare Car Rental, Mondzuva Pvt Ltd (Scenic Hotel), Midlands School of Robotics, Café Affairs, Hari Rooted Company, Amity Perfumes, Fredos and Empumalanga Novafeed.
Organisers are also inviting small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations and farmers from across Zimbabwe to showcase products, value-added goods, innovations and investment opportunities.
Beyond the exhibition, visitors will enjoy a business conference, displays by the uniformed forces, soccer matches, family entertainment and performances headlined by musician Enzo Ishall.
Midlands Show public relations officer Lloyd Mudonhi said organisers had strengthened their marketing initiatives through a partnership with a local radio station, enabling exhibitors to promote their brands before and during the show at subsidised rates.
“Most companies have welcomed the initiative and have come on board,” he said.
The Midlands Agricultural Show celebrated its centenary last year, making it one of the oldest agricultural shows in the country.
