Africa News 24 Harare Bureau
HARARE, Zimbabwe — The Entrepreneurs Network Association of Zimbabwe (ENAZ) is set to host a high-level symposium in Harare on April 11, 2025, aimed at harnessing the transformative power of agriculture to propel Zimbabwe’s economic recovery. Titled “Driving Zimbabwe’s Economic Recovery Through Agriculture,” the event will bring together key stakeholders from the agricultural, financial, and policy sectors to explore innovative solutions, investment opportunities, and sustainable practices that align with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals.
Agriculture, often referred to as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributes over 17% to the country’s GDP and employs nearly 70% of the population, particularly in rural areas. Beyond its role in food security, the sector is a critical driver of economic diversification, feeding into agro-processing industries, export markets, and financial services. The symposium is strategically aligned with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development’s agenda to boost agricultural productivity, enhancemechanisation and promote sustainable farming practices. It also underscores President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive global player in agriculture and agribusiness.
ENAZ Director, Ms. Tsitsi Linda Mutemaringa, noted the symposium’s role in showcasing agriculture as a high-yield investment opportunity while fostering dialogue on modern trends, financing solutions, and technology-driven innovations. “Agriculture is more than just a source of food; it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and industrialisation,” said Mutemaringa. “This symposium will position Zimbabwe as a prime destination for agricultural investment and reinforce the government’s commitment to facilitating private sector engagement in agribusiness.”
The event is expected to attract over 300 attendees, including investors, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and international trade representatives. It will serve as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, strategic networking, and collaboration to unlock the sector’s full potential. Key topics to be discussed include transitioning from subsistence farming to profitable, commercial agribusiness models, exploring smart agriculture and AI-driven solutions to maximise productivity, addressing climate change challenges through eco-friendly farming techniques, and unlocking global export opportunities to enhance Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain.
Top industry experts, government officials, and business leaders will provide insights into these areas, offering practical solutions to drive sector growth and resilience. The symposium aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy. A thriving agricultural sector is central to this vision, as it promises to create jobs, increase exports, and strengthen rural economies.
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President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Zimbabwe is open for business,” resonates strongly with the symposium’s objectives. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, the event seeks to ensure that economic development is inclusive and transformative. The ENAZ symposium represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. By reimagining the future of farming, embracing innovation, and attracting investment, the event aims to position Zimbabwe as a competitive global agricultural hub.
As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, agriculture remains a beacon of hope and opportunity. With initiatives like the ENAZ symposium, Zimbabwe is poised to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector, driving economic recovery and paving the way for a prosperous future.
