South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Harare on 29 August 2025, responding to an invitation from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His visit combines ceremonial duties with strategic discussions, as he attends the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as Guest of Honour while also engaging in talks to strengthen bilateral relations.
Celebrating 130 Years of Agriculture
This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, an event hosted annually by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society.
Under the theme “Building Bridging: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Commerce,” the show continues to serve as a major platform for showcasing innovations, trade, and networking in the agricultural sector.
The 2024 edition attracted around 230,000 visitors and featured 570 exhibitors, including 13 international participants, highlighting the show’s growing regional and global significance.
Boosting Economic Cooperation
Ramaphosa’s visit also has a clear economic dimension.
Trade between South Africa and Zimbabwe is on the rise, with South African exports to Zimbabwe reaching R69.2 billion in 2024, up from R57.5 billion in 2023.
Vegetables led the way, contributing R11.9 billion to the total.
Imports from Zimbabwe to South Africa also increased, from R4.4 billion in 2023 to R5.4 billion in 2024.
Currently, more than 120 South African companies operate in Zimbabwe across industries including mining, aviation, banking, property, retail, construction, tourism, and fast food.
A Platform for Regional Leadership
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show has long been a venue for regional leaders to engage with the agricultural sector.
Nelson Mandela attended as Guest of Honour back in August 1994, underscoring the event’s role in fostering agricultural collaboration and economic exchange within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Supporting Regional Integration
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes and senior government officials.
During his visit, he is expected to focus on promoting intra-regional trade, deepening economic integration within SADC, and strengthening the already cordial ties between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
