Umzingwane District third annual expo promises to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
Mbekezeli Ncube
The third annual Umzingwane District Agricultural and Trade Expo is scheduled for August 29-31 at the Ncema Valley Country Club in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province. This year’s expo will run under the theme, “Unlocking Growth and Potential in Agriculture, Mining, Business, and Community,” and promises to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
The event features a comprehensive program, including a business seminar, career guidance, product showcases, and livestock sales. Siphathisiwe Mguni, Vice Chairperson of the Umzingwane District Agricultural and Trade Expo, emphasized the expo’s inclusive nature, extending a special invitation to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“We are committed to inclusivity, aligning with Zimbabwe’s open-for-business mantra,” she stressed.
Mguni expressed optimism about the event’s prospects, anticipating double the attendance of last year’s expo. She attributed this to encouraging responses from the business community and promising feedback from Bulawayo Province.
“We have extended broad invitations and received very positive responses, particularly from the business community. We appreciate Bulawayo province’s enthusiastic uptake,” she said.
Notably, horticultural exhibitions are expected to outnumber those of cereal crops which were severely impacted by the El Nino pandemic — speaking more to the direction being recommended for uptake by farmers in light of the current drought season and broader climate change effects.
Mguni further encouraged farmers to showcase more craft products.
Exhibition stand fees vary depending on the type of exhibition. Corporates and CSOs will pay US$30, while government departments and parastatals will fork out US$10. Arts and crafts, crop, poultry as well as rabbit farmers will pay US$2. Goat, sheep, and pig farmers will register with US$5, and cattle farmers will pay US$10 for registration. Group exhibits will cost US$10, and table rental will be US$5.
Umzingwane District Agricultural and Trade Expo promises to be a valuable platform for stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and explore opportunities. The previous edition of the expo saw 101 exhibitors with 222 exhibits, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
