MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—Zimbabwe’s drive to promote value addition and beneficiation of its agricultural and mineral resources will take centre stage at this year’s Midlands Agricultural Show, with organisers expecting a record 160 exhibitors to showcase products, technologies and innovations that support industrial growth.
The four-day exhibition, scheduled for August 13 to 16 under the theme, “Value Addition: The Key to Competitiveness,” has already attracted 123 fully paid-up exhibitors, while another 37 companies have confirmed participation and are expected to complete registration.
The figures would surpass last year’s turnout of about 130 exhibitors.
Midlands Show Society chairperson Augustine Mupakurirwa said the exhibition would encourage Zimbabwean companies to process raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their primary form.
“We are encouraging our people in Zimbabwe to value-add our raw products. 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,” Mupakurirwa said.
He said preparations for the annual exhibition were at an advanced stage 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 is expected to attract 13 first-time exhibitors, including CBZ Bank, Bakers Inn, Supreme Feeds, Midlands School of Robotics and Scenic Hotel, while organisers continue to court participation from SMEs, large corporates and farmers from across the country.
Midlands Show public relations officer Lloyd Mudonhi said organisers had partnered the media to give exhibitors affordable publicity before and during the exhibition.
Entertainment will include a performance by Enzo Ishall, while ZIFA will conduct referee training during the show’s soccer tournament.
The programme will also feature a business conference, displays by the uniformed forces and other family entertainment.
