Harare — President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday, at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for a working visit that included attending the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as Guest of Honour.
The annual event, organised by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, is celebrating its 130th anniversary under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce.”
The 2024 show drew 570 exhibitors, including 13 international participants, and attracted approximately 230,000 visitors. This year, exhibitors have occupied 79,500 of the available 86,500 square meters, showcasing innovations across agriculture, industry, and other key sectors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he gained valuable insights and ideas from the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, regretting not having attended earlier, as it sparked his interest in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the role of Agricultural Extension officers who act as… pic.twitter.com/Rvdgxhv7XV
— DevelopZim (@zimnews263) August 29, 2025
Ramaphosa’s visit aims to reinforce economic cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In 2024, South African exports to Zimbabwe reached R69.21 billion, up from R57.5 billion in 2023, with vegetables contributing R11.9 billion. Imports from Zimbabwe increased to R5.4 billion from R4.4 billion the previous year.
According to IOL, More than 120 South African companies operate in Zimbabwe across sectors including mining, aviation, banking, property, retail, construction, tourism, and fast food.
H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa gained valuable insights and ideas from the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, regretting not having attended earlier, which sparked his interest in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the role of Agricultural Extension officers who act as… pic.twitter.com/W9xaXhchRK
— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) August 29, 2025
“The visit will also provide the president (Ramaphosa) with an opportunity to solidify the cordial relations that exist between South Africa and Zimbabwe, particularly in the economic sector,” the report quoted Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya as saying.
The show has a history of attracting regional leaders; former President Nelson Mandela attended as Guest of Honour in August 1994.
Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes and senior government officials, The South African reported.
Today, Parliament had the honour of welcoming the Head of State and Government from the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, who was accompanied by @edmnangagwa the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2025. Their presence… pic.twitter.com/VzcjPEMI8S
— Parliament of Zimbabwe (@ParliamentZim) August 29, 2025
Upon arrival, he was received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by a high-level delegation, including Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
