“Zambia is an exciting market to explore, not just for South African suppliers to the agriculture sector, but also for South African farmers,” says Liam Beckett, Commercial Director of the upcoming AGRItech Expo Zambia. The event is presented by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and will be held at the GART Research Farm in Chisamba from 27 to 29 April 2017.

The latest agricultural products and services will be on display. Last year, AGRItech Expo Zambia drew a record-breaking attendance of 17 605 visitors. This year, even more small-scale, emerging and commercial farmers are expected.

“The South African market has become saturated in some sectors,” says Liam, “and many South African companies are looking to branch out across the border in order to continue their business growth in Africa. In Zambia, there are approximately 400 registered commercial farming professionals, which offer a very lucrative potential market. The Zambian farming sector is also far more advanced than other neighbouring countries, and farming methods are also similar to those followed in South Africa. Therefore, South African brands and products, such as implements and agro chemicals, are all applicable in Zambia.”

More international exposure

The Expo will furthermore feature an even greater international presence with international pavilions from Germany, Zimbabwe, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the UK and France already confirmed. Liam says: “Just judging from the big increase in international pavilions, the global interest in Zambia as an agri market is obvious. Already there is major international investment in the country at present, as well as projects being planned, and if a South African company wants to establish a footprint in Zambia, they need to make sure they grab this business development opportunity now before they miss out.”

The South African companies that have so far booked exhibit space or sponsorships at AGRItech Expo Zambia include AGRICO, Gallagher Power Fence SA Pty Ltd, Hydraform, Kempston Agri – Claas, Lindsay Africa, Neptun Boot, Organico, Senter 360, Teejet and ROFF.

“For South African farmers, Zambia is of interest in that they can learn from many new technologies, agro chemicals and commercial farming methods that are available in Zambia.” As in the past, AGRItech Expo Zambia will also offer free workshops, as well as live machinery and product demonstrations and crop trials. Novelties for this year will be specialised agri-sector industry zones and mowing and baling demonstrations.

Coveted awards

AGRItech Expo Zambia recently won two coveted awards at the ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg, where excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent is honoured. Agritech Expo won awards for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12 000 sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.

The Expo also has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, the school is assisted with much needed infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and management of the school’s farm. As in previous years, AGRItech Expo enjoys extensive support from the agri industry with well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere returning as platinum sponsors once more. Confirmed gold sponsors are Action Auto, Agricon, BHBW, Case Construction, Case Agriculture, Gourock and SARO.

What the people say about AGRItech Expo:

Dave Gordon, owner of Sable Farms in Zambia’s Chibombo district and VIP visitor to AGRItech Expo Zambia, is very impressed with the Expo: “We all are amazed at how well AGRItech is organised; the event runs very smoothly and is very impressive. Well done to all.”

He also believes AGRItech Expo is very important to Zambian farmers, because “it shows all the new technology and the latest equipment available. Many international companies are coming into Zambia, which is good for business and agriculture”.

Michael Bentley, Dealer Principal, Action Auto in Zambia and returning gold sponsor at AGRIech Expo, says: “Action Auto Zambia is proud to be associate with the AGRItech Expo onc again; we are always in awe of how the team puts the whole event together. “The AGRItech Expo offers an effective way to disseminate information and advice in crop and animal science and to introduce technology that can assist the small-scale farmer.”

For more information, visit: http://www.agritech-expo.com, or https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/