Successful debut for Agritech Expo in Zambia

AGRITECH Expo was an overwhelming success, noted Dr Evelyn Nguleka, president of the Zambia National Farmers’ Union, calling it “a realised dream for ZNFU and all the farmers.”

The expo and conference, which took place in Chisamba from 4-5 April, saw a gathering of more than 8,000 visitors, including Zambian vice president Dr Guy Scott, the minister of livestock and agriculture, the honourable minister Wylbur Simuusa, and former Zambian president Ruphia B. Banda.

With 69 exhibitors, the full-scale agricultural event was a showcase for new technology in farming and post-harvest equipment as well as products and services. Furthermore, 40 exhibitors from the country’s leading poultry event, the Zambia Poultry Expo, also joined the event.

Agritech Expo was organised by leading events organiser Spintelligent and key partners, the ZNFU, the USAID’s Southern African Trade Hub, Musika and GART, where the event took place.

Many deals made during expo

The event’s director Liam Beckett said, “Zambia has cemented its reputation as the region’s future bread basket and agri powerhouse. The feedback received during and after the show has been incredible. From exhibitors to visitors, everyone involved saw tremendous value in participating and we are all looking forward to creating a legacy event. The many deals that took place during Agritech Expo indicate that the Zambian market is ready for this kind of agri-event, where everyone is welcome, from the large scale to the emerging farmer.”

The global agri giant AGCO was the exclusive diamond sponsor for Agritech Expo. AGCO’s director of operations in Africa and Middle East, Nuradin Osman, said the first ever Agritech Expo to be held in Zambia “was an eye opener of how vast the agricultural sector is and its importance to the country and the region cannot be over emphasized. The expo did not only bring customers and business together for great interactions but fostered discussions that will see the sector develop with concerted efforts. We are proud to be affiliated with the Agritech Expo as diamond sponsors and are already looking forward to next year’s event which we believe will be even bigger and better. Well done on a well-organized event.”

Stanbic Bank was the platinum sponsor. Other sponsors included: AFGRI, Action Auto, SARO, John Deere, BASF, Seed-Co, EFE, Du Pont-Pioneer, Valtra, K2, Kempston, Monsanto, Greenbelt, HarvestPlus, Lindsay, Zamseed, NWK and Rovic Leers.