The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A total of 16 000 people walked through the gates of Mutare Showgrounds for the 2023 edition of the Manicaland annual exhibition as the event maintained its glitter.
Held under the theme ‘Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Growth’, the 2023 provincial exhibition saw a total of 136 companies showcasing their wares and services.
Apart from the usual Government departments, several emerging businesses, especially those in information communication technologies, graced this year’s exhibition.
Administrator of the Manicaland Agricultural Show, Mrs Pedzisai Rusero said the only notable absentees were those in the energy sector where some usual players did not turn up.
“We are satisfied with the way the 2023 Manicaland Agricultural Show went down as 136 companies exhibited. We had 16 000 people walking through our gates. It was the most successful show ever,” said Mrs Rusero.
In his speech during the official opening of the show last week on Friday, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who was represented by Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza, underscored the importance of innovation in business.
“The importance of innovation has since been exhibited by the establishment of innovation hubs at all universities. These innovation hubs have seen the nation saving US$12 million in imports.
“Some ideas hatched in innovation hubs have so far led to the harnessing of the Marula Processing Plant in Rutenga, Mwenezi and the Industrial Oxygen Plant in Mutare by Verify Engineering.
“With regards to agriculture, Zimbabwe is ranked high among the countries topping in digital agricultural innovation in Southern Africa.
“Digital agriculture innovations are mostly related to digital advisory services, agri-digital financial services and digital procurement.
“Digital innovation technologies have the potential to transform agri-food systems by accelerating and integrating stakeholders and their efficiency of agriculture for small-holder farmers, including improved food availability.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, with 66.2 percent of the population.
