Ramaphosa Champions Cross-Border Agricultural Cooperation at Zimbabwe’s 130th Agrishow
Evident Makatwane 
Image Credit: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa urged stronger collaboration between South Africa and Zimbabwe to bolster regional food security, climate resilience, and agricultural trade during his address at the opening ceremony of the 130th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Friday.
Agriculture: A Cornerstone of Regional Resilience
At the event in Harare, Ramaphosa praised Zimbabwe’s strides in modernising its agricultural sector—highlighting national efforts in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer support as key to economic recovery and job creation. He underscored agriculture’s critical role in both economies, especially in confronting unemployment and poverty.
“Collaboration among countries is critical,” he affirmed, emphasizing that shared challenges such as droughts compromising yields necessitate coordinated responses through innovation, technology, and joint initiatives.
Tackling Climate Threats with Unity
Ramaphosa raised serious concerns about the region’s agricultural vulnerability to climate change, particularly droughts, stressing that innovation and shared strategies are crucial. He encouraged deeper regional integration in areas including:
- Biosecurity, citing recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza;
- Research and training;
- Seed provision, irrigation infrastructure, and agro-processing investments.
These sectors, he indicated, are pivotal in enhancing resilience and expanding trade.
A Platform for Partnerships
The President invited private sector stakeholders to capitalize on the Agricultural Show as a launchpad for building partnerships and exploring opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reinforcing intra-African trade and investment flows.
Agricultural Employment: A Shared Reality
Agriculture remains a vital source of employment in the region:
- In Zimbabwe, it accounts for approximately 53% of jobs. FAOSTAT data indicate that across Africa, around 46% of total employment stems from agriculture, compared to just 5% in Europe.
- In South Africa, formal agriculture employment contributes roughly 5%, reflecting both the sector’s potential and the structural constraints it faces.
By nurturing environments that support women and youth, Ramaphosa emphasized, the region can unlock both economic productivity and social equity.
Celebrating a Legacy of Progress
Marking its 130th year, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show one of the continent’s oldest agricultural exhibitions continues to be a vital hub for agribusiness innovation and diplomacy. Under this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Communities,” it has drawn a growing number of exhibitors, visitors, and stakeholders.
The Exhibition underscores Zimbabwe’s agricultural legacy while serving as a powerful platform for regional cooperation and integration.
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