Johnson Progress

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector, saying it serves as a shining example in the region and beyond.

Speaking at the official opening of the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of technology in building resilience in food security.

Ramaphosa highlighted the need for innovation in agriculture, citing the use of geo-spatial agriculture, earth observation, and artificial intelligence to increase output and conserve resources.

“Technological trends in agriculture must be fully embraced to increase output and conserve resources,” he said.

“By way of example, geo-spatial agriculture using earth observation and Artificial Intelligence has started to feature in some sectors of agriculture in South Africa and Zimbabwe.”

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, themed “Building Bridges, Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce,” brings together stakeholders from across the region to foster greater integration and value chain development.

Ramaphosa called for increased investment in small and medium farming entities, particularly those owned and run by women and youth.

He also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing challenges such as climate change and biosecurity.

Ramaphosa noted that agriculture accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of employment in the region, underscoring its critical role in sustaining jobs.

He urged the private sector to explore avenues for greater collaboration, which would result in more trade and investment across borders.

The visit by Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe highlights the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

Over 120 South African companies operate in Zimbabwe, investing in various sectors such as mining, aviation, tourism, banking, and retail.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show provides a platform for promoting intra-regional trade and economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Ramaphosa’s visit and speech at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show underscore the importance of agriculture in the region’s economic development.

By embracing technology and fostering regional cooperation, countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa can build resilience in food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The show, now in its 130th year, continues to serve as a key platform for investment, innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration in the agricultural sector.