Speaking at the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa applauded Zimbabwe’s bold agricultural reforms, calling them a model for the region. He highlighted the importance of land reform, irrigation, and farmer empowerment in addressing colonial legacies and driving economic growth. Ramaphosa emphasized that agriculture remains central to food security and job creation, urging greater regional collaboration, innovation, and private sector investment to
"Agriculture Is the Cornerstone of Economic Growth"-Ramaphosa
Sharleen Mohammed
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday urged his country to draw lessons from Zimbabwe’s agricultural reforms, saying agriculture remains central to food security, jobs and economic growth across the region.
Speaking at the official opening of the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare, President Ramaphosa praised Zimbabwe’s efforts to revive agriculture through land reform, irrigation investment and empowering smallholder farmers.
He said such policies are important for correcting colonial imbalances and building sustainable economies.
President Ramaphosa said: “Agriculture is the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, we congratulate the government of Zimbabwe for the measures it is taking to revive the sector through policy reforms, irrigation, mechanization and support to both large- and small-scale farmers.”
The South African leader added: "like Zimbabwe, we are still dealing with the legacy of unequal land ownership, where black farmers were historically excluded from commercial farming.
"Zimbabwe’s steps to open farming to the majority offer valuable lessons for South Africa," he said.
Ramaphosa also highlighted the threats posed by climate change, droughts and livestock diseases, calling for stronger cooperation between Harare and Pretoria in research, biosecurity, and the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence in farming.
“Collaboration among countries is critical to ensure food security,” he said, adding that agricultural trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents huge opportunities for both countries.
He further called on the private sector in both nations to invest in seeds, irrigation, storage, agro-processing and transport infrastructure, stressing the importance of youth and women in the future of farming.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, which has run for over 130 years, is the country’s biggest agricultural and business exhibition. This year’s edition attracted record exhibitors and visitors, showcasing Zimbabwe’s push to reclaim its breadbasket status.
