Harare, 29 August 2025 – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper agricultural cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe, urging governments, farmers, and the private sector to seize opportunities for joint investment, innovation, and trade.
Speaking at the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, President Ramaphosa congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, and the people of Zimbabwe for sustaining what he described as a “premier event” that has stood the test of political, economic, and ecological challenges for more than 130 years.
“This agricultural show has always demonstrated the enduring value of agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, sustainable development, and historical redress,” Ramaphosa said.
Shared Histories, Shared Struggles
The South African leader drew parallels between Zimbabwe’s post-independence land reform and South Africa’s own ongoing efforts to dismantle colonial land ownership patterns.
“On independence in 1980, Zimbabwe had to take on the momentous task of dismantling colonial-era patterns of land ownership. This mirrored our own experience in South Africa,” he said, noting that both countries have had to work towards redress, food security, and inclusion of black farmers into the mainstream agricultural economy.
He applauded Zimbabwe’s recent policy reforms, investments in irrigation and mechanisation, and support for small- and large-scale farmers, saying such initiatives are critical to reviving the sector.
Climate Change and Biosecurity Threats
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that climate change has severely impacted agriculture across the region, with prolonged droughts cutting yields and threatening livelihoods.
“Adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change are an imperative for all nations,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration between Zimbabwe and South Africa on resilience strategies.
He also highlighted biosecurity threats such as foot and mouth disease, avian flu, and crop infections, calling for stronger research collaboration to protect the region’s food systems.
Technology, Innovation, and the AfCFTA
The South African President underscored the importance of embracing modern technology to boost agricultural productivity.
“Geo-spatial agriculture using earth observation and Artificial Intelligence has started to feature in some sectors of agriculture in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Such innovation will be key as we collectively build resilience in pursuit of food security,” he said.
He added that these innovations will enhance competitiveness in global markets and enable both countries to tap into the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Investing in Small Farmers, Youth, and Women
President Ramaphosa called for greater investment in small and medium farming entities, especially those led by women and youth, to drive inclusive growth. He emphasised the need for more funding in seeds, training, irrigation, storage facilities, agro-processing, and infrastructure development – including roads, rail, and aviation – to unlock agriculture’s full potential.
He challenged the private sectors in both Zimbabwe and South Africa to use the agricultural show as a platform to forge partnerships and expand cross-border trade and investment.
Regional Vision for Growth
Recalling the recent SADC Summit in Madagascar, Ramaphosa said regional leaders had placed agricultural transformation at the centre of their discussions. The hosting of the Harare Agricultural Show, he added, aligns with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which seeks to improve food production, marketing, and intra-African trade in staples.
“Agriculture accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of employment in our region,” he noted. “Cooperation is therefore key to sustaining jobs and achieving our shared vision of economic transformation.”
Warm Ties and Congratulations
President Ramaphosa concluded by thanking President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe for their hospitality and congratulating the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society for organising a successful showcase.
“This show is more than a tradition it is a beacon of agricultural excellence, resilience, and collaboration. Let us use it as a springboard for greater partnership between our nations and across our region,” he said.
Credit: SpikedMedia
