Harare – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector as a model for the region, urging African nations to leverage technology to build resilience in food security. The remarks were made during the official opening of the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Friday, where President Ramaphosa was the guest of honour.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, an annual event that brings together farmers, researchers, and investors, offered a platform for participants to showcase innovations, exchange knowledge, and explore strategies for boosting agricultural productivity. President Ramaphosa’s address underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and the deployment of modern technology to strengthen the continent’s food systems.
“Technology must be fully deployed — geospatial systems, artificial intelligence in agriculture — between Zimbabwe and South Africa as a way of building resilience in food security,” President Ramaphosa said. He praised Zimbabwe for the proactive measures it has taken to improve food security, highlighting the potential for these initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of various industries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The South African President stressed that modern technological tools could help farmers predict weather patterns, optimise crop yields, and respond effectively to pests and diseases. He called on both public and private stakeholders to embrace innovation as a central pillar of agricultural development.
President Ramaphosa Commends Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Achievements, Calls for Technology-Driven Food Security Across Africa
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the growing threat of climate change on agriculture. “Agriculture has been heavily affected by the changing climate. Severe droughts have impacted crop yields. It is imperative for a collaborative effort among nations to ensure food security,” he said.
He specifically noted the need for regional coordination in addressing cross-border agricultural challenges, such as outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, which can devastate livestock populations. “As neighbours, pooling resources to strengthen research institutions and share best practices is essential,” he added.
The President urged stakeholders to capitalise on the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities. He encouraged private sector players to focus on irrigation systems, quality seeds, storage facilities, and fertilisers to empower small-scale farmers.
“I was able to see and hear for myself that the government has assisted 35,000 villages with seeds, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, and the full utilisation of technology,” President Ramaphosa said. He emphasised that supporting smallholder farmers is critical for achieving inclusive growth and enhancing national food security.
The show, he added, is an ideal venue for networking and building collaborative frameworks that can spur innovation and economic development across the agricultural value chain.
Zimbabwe’s efforts to rehabilitate rail and road networks were also highlighted by the South African leader as key drivers of agricultural growth. “Rail and road rehabilitation is critical for propelling the country to higher levels of productivity and market access. Zimbabwe stands out as a shining example to the region and the continent at large,” he said.
President Ramaphosa noted that improved transport infrastructure not only facilitates efficient distribution of produce but also lowers post-harvest losses, making the agricultural sector more competitive both regionally and internationally.
Among the initiatives that impressed the South African President was Zimbabwe’s establishment of 35,000 strategic village business units. These units provide rural communities with access to resources such as seeds, fertilisers, irrigation schemes, and technology, empowering farmers to increase production and contribute to food security.
“This is a programme I will take back home for replication,” President Ramaphosa said, underlining the potential for cross-border learning and adaptation of successful agricultural models.
The South African President concluded that Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation offers lessons for the wider continent. By combining technology, infrastructure development, and targeted support for smallholder farmers, African nations can strengthen food security and boost economic resilience.
“Zimbabwe’s example shows that strategic investment, innovation, and cooperation can produce tangible results in agriculture. We have seen what is possible, and it is up to all of us to replicate these successes across Africa,” he said.
The 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show continues to attract national and regional stakeholders, showcasing innovations in farming, livestock management, and agro-processing. With President Ramaphosa’s endorsement, the event further cements Zimbabwe’s position as a leader in agricultural development on the continent.
Source- ZBC
