Harare: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger collaboration between South Africa and Zimbabwe to boost food security, climate resilience, and agricultural trade in the region. Speaking at the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Friday, President Ramaphosa emphasized that agriculture is central to both countries’ economies and vital in addressing unemployment and poverty.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa commended Zimbabwe for its reforms in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer support, noting the sector’s importance in driving economic recovery. He expressed congratulations to the government of Zimbabwe for its efforts in reviving the country’s agricultural sector.

President Ramaphosa is in Harare at the invitation of Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, for a working visit. He participated as a guest of honour in the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The President stressed that climate change poses a growing threat to agriculture, with droughts already reducing yields across the region. He stated that countries need to adapt through innovation, technology, and joint initiatives, emphasizing that collaboration among countries is critical.

Biosecurity was highlighted as another area requiring regional cooperation, with recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and bird flu cited as significant concerns. President Ramaphosa said that investment in research, seed provision, irrigation, training, and agro-processing would help strengthen resilience and expand trade opportunities. He urged the private sector in both countries to use the agriculture show as a platform to build partnerships and leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, agriculture accounts for between 60% and 80% of employment in the region. President Ramaphosa noted that creating a more enabling environment for small and medium-scale farmers, especially women and youth, is essential.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show is an annual event organized by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society to facilitate and promote agricultural development in the country. Now in its 130th year, it continues to serve as a platform for promoting innovation, investment, and cooperation in the agricultural sector.