Highlights from the Matabeleland North Business and Farmers Conference
7 August 2026; MNSS Boardroom, Number 2 Show Grounds (Matabeleland North Agricultural Show)
Organized by: Matabeleland North Show Society (MNSS)
Introduction and Opening Proceedings
The Business and Farmers Conference, held on 7 August 2026 at the Matabeleland North Agricultural Show, brought together key stakeholders, government representatives, agricultural experts, and business leaders. Master of Ceremonies Philani Moyo guided the day’s proceedings. The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Inspector Banda of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), followed by the national anthem and official registration.
The conference recorded a robust turnout of distinguished organizations and government departments, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration. Represented entities included:
- Government Ministries & Departments: Office of the President and Cabinet (Drug and Substance Abuse Task Office), Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Agritex, Ministry of Information and Publicity, Civil Registry Department, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
- Local Authorities & Parastatals: Hwange Rural District Council, Hwange Local Board, Victoria Falls Municipality, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), ZimParks, National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Environment/Conservation groups (including Painted Dog Conservation), ZETDC, and REA.
- Financial & Corporate Institutions: Donhodzo Finance, SEEDCO, Agri Seeds, Profeeds, HCCL, Econet/EcoCash, K2 / Bapheta Inhanyelo, Lyeja Far, and various business owners.
- Educational & Community Institutions: Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), Lupane State University (LSU), Don Bosco, Klestgate Training College, Blackstone Group of Schools, and S.O.S. Children’s Villages, Hwange Chronicles, Lyeja FM.
- Farmer Representatives: Farmers and unions from across the region, including Umguza, Nkayi, Bubi, Hwange, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Binga, and Matabeleland South.
Chairman’s Welcome Remarks
In his opening address, the MNSS Chairman reflected on the duality of the recent weather patterns, noting that excessive rainfall served as both a significant benefit and a notable loss. Emphasizing the realities of changing weather patterns, he strongly encouraged ongoing climate change adaptations.
Furthermore, the Chairman applauded the farmers for making it to the agricultural show despite facing various challenges and obstacles in 2026. Highlighting a multigenerational dynamic—noting participants ranging from a 66-year-old veteran farmer to an 18-year-old newcomer—he championed active skills transfer between generations.
Perspectives from the Farmers’ Representative
The Farmers’ Chairlady brought local achievements and practical advice to the forefront of the discussions:
She celebrated regional talent, highlighting that Hwange youth secured the Number 1 Trophy at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo this past April.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, she shared her pride in grooming numerous young people who have gone on to achieve remarkable success.
Addressing seed security, she advised farmers to source seeds exclusively from registered and certified companies. While acknowledging the presence of foreign-manufactured seeds designed to adapt to diverse climatic needs, she warned against unverified alternatives, cautioning that “cheap is expensive” and urging strict vigilance in purchasing decisions.
Keynote Address by the Guest of Honour
The Guest of Honour delivered a forward-looking keynote address centered on sustainable economic transformation:
The province boasts rich natural and economic assets, including vast coal reserves, thriving tourism and wildlife sectors, rich agriculture and livestock potential, valuable forestry resources, and growing investment opportunities.
True sustainability requires ensuring that today’s decisions positively impact future generations, translating economic transformation into long-term regional wealth.
Addressing environmental and economic hurdles, the Guest of Honour advised stakeholders to approach challenges without panic, framing resource management around the philosophy to “change the water to wealth” alongside an emphasis on value addition for farmers.
The conference concluded with an interactive discussion session among all attendees, followed by a formal vote of thanks delivered by the CEO for Hwange Local Board Mr N Mdlalose. The event closed with a benediction led by the ZPCS Chaplain, marking a successful day dedicated to driving agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, and resilient economic growth in Matabeleland North.
