By Tichaona Katsvamutima
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Friday after Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah withdrew from the event at the last minute due to unforeseen commitments in her country.
Nandi-Ndaitwah had been scheduled to be the Guest of Honour at the 116th edition of Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural showcase, which is currently underway at the Harare Showgrounds.
However, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet responsible for Presidential Communications George Charamba announced the change, saying commitments in Namibia had prevented the Namibian leader from travelling to Zimbabwe.
“Following unforeseen commitments in the sister Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency President Ndaitwah is no longer expected as the official Guest of Honour at this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, ZAS,” Charamba said.
“His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa is now scheduled to open the Agricultural Show this Friday.”
The last-minute change comes barely a day after Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka publicly announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah had accepted Zimbabwe’s invitation to officiate at the show.
“The President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has graciously agreed to be the guest of honour at the official opening of the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Friday,” Masuka said on Tuesday.
No further details were immediately provided on the nature of the commitments that forced the Namibian president to cancel her scheduled appearance.
Her withdrawal means Mnangagwa will now take centre stage at Friday’s official opening of the agricultural exhibition, which had been expected to be headlined by his regional counterpart.
The 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is running from August 24 to 29 under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge.”
The exhibition has attracted about 640 exhibitors, up 4.4 percent from 613 last year, with all major exhibition halls fully subscribed.
International participation has also increased, with exhibitors from countries including South Africa, China and Zambia taking part.
This year’s programme places particular emphasis on the intersection of agriculture, technology and commerce, showcasing modern agricultural technologies, mechanisation, digital systems and market-oriented production.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show remains one of the country’s biggest annual platforms, bringing together farmers, businesses, government, researchers and international exhibitors.
