Agritech Expo is a landmark event for Zambia’s agriculture, providing a business-to-business platform for agricultural professionals, from small-scale farmers to commercial enterprises, to engage and conduct business with some of the world’s leading suppliers to the agricultural industry.

In April, Chisamba, the agricultural growth point just north of Lusaka, will be abuzz with activities when the third Agritech Expo takes place. The GART Research Centre will host the 130 exhibitors, demonstration fields, zones for different agricultural sectors and more than 15 000 expected visitors.

Agritech Expo is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union and enjoys great support from government as well as the whole agri-sector.

Liam Beckett, Event Director, says: “It is so important for the farming community to get together to discuss the current challenges and share success stories in the sector.”

He says they are looking forward to welcoming more than 15 000 farming professionals, from emerging, to smallholder, to commercial farmers and agri-experts in Chisamba.

“It is a unique opportunity for them to share best practice, obtain training, test and try out new products and technologies and brainstorm about current challenges such as producti-vity and competitiveness as well as the effects of current adverse weather conditions.”

Last year’s Agritech Expo drew more than 11 700 visitors, including the country’s President, Edgar Lungu, the Vice President, Inonge Wina, the Zambian and German Agri Ministers and many other dignitaries and  agri-experts.

Continue to innovate

Liam says: “Agritech Expo has been embraced by the Zambian farming community from the start and in our third edition from 14 to 16 April 2016, we shall continue to innovate and offer our partners and visitors more technology, demonstrations, free workshops and specialised zones and opportunities to do business.

“We shall have 130 exhibitors, including some of the leading international suppliers to the agriculture industry, twelve live crop trials and eleven machinery demonstration fields. There will also be an extended Livestock Zone, an Irrigation Zone, a SME Business Zone, 4×4 Test Track, a Sprayers Arena and technical and practical workshops for emerging farmers as well as a VIP Business Lounge for commercial players.”

As energy is a constant challenge in Zambia, there will also be a special focus on different options that are available to the agricultural community. An Energy Park has been created for the event.

Liam says: “We listen to what the sector needs and pride ourselves in servicing the needs of the entire agri-value chain in Zambia and its neighbouring countries.”

Industry support

Zanaco (Zambia National Commercial Bank) has confirmed that it is returning as the exclusive Diamond Sponsor of the event. Other big names in the farming sector that will be at Agritech Expo are AFGRI, as Platinum Sponsor, and Action Auto, JCB, John Deere, SARO and Zamseed, who are all gold sponsors.

What the people say about

Agritech:

Rob Munro, Director of Strategy at Musika, a Zambian non-profit company aiming towards the stimulation of private sector investment in the smallholder market. Musika has been a key partner since the start of Agritech Expo:

“Before Agritech Expo, Zambia never had a means by which the whole agricultural community, from smallholder farmer to corporate agribusiness, was able to come together to see, understand and invest in new technology. In my opinion, Agritech Expo has been hugely influential in exposing the community to this technology and driving forwards the advancement of modern farming in Zambia.”

Eike Hupe, Managing Director, BASF Zambia Limited, Area Manager Southern Africa BASF is a returning silver sponsor at Agritech Expo in Chisamba in Zambia in April:

“Personally, my experience last year was very exciting as it was the first time I attended the Agritech Expo. Having moved to Zambia only recently, I was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere and the commitment of our Zambian farmers. Both the commercial and subsistence farmers with whom I interacted showed a keen interest in learning more about our range of products. We were able to exchange ideas on how to make farming more successful. In addition, I was also grateful to meet and interact with other stakeholders of the agricultural industry who were present at the event.

“The event holds a prominent place on our annual BASF farming calendar. The Agritech Expo creates a unique platform where we can showcase the efficacy of our products, on various crops, to our farmers. For a while now, the BASF team has been in the planning phase for the Agritech Expo 2016, and we are looking forward to engaging with the farmers again at the event this year.”

Michael Bentley, Dealer Principal, Action Auto in Zambia and returning gold sponsor for Agritech Expo in Chisamba in April:

“We are pleased to be associated with this important platform for the Zambian agricultural community and look forward to an even better event than the previous two! Action Auto has been supporting the Agricultural industry long before the inception of the Agritech Expo, by offering special package deals for purchasing utility vehicles for farmers through Zambia National Farmers Union and in the past few years through Musika.”

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase the Isuzu KB’s prowess on the 4×4 track at this year’s Agritech Expo. Isuzu has broadened the appeal of the Iconic KB with the 2016 Enhanced Model. Some of the new additions to the range will be on display at this year’s Agritech Expo.”

Pierre Lombard, CEO of NWK Agri-Services in Zambia, returning silver sponsor for Agritech Expo:

“Our experience at the 2015

Agritech Expo was excellent. The wet weather created an interesting and friendly atmosphere which did not hinder attendance. There were many interested visitors and NWK made good connections as well as once again established its brand.

“The agricultural sector in Zambia is a dynamic sector. It has its ups and downs, however it remains one of the main contributing sectors to Zambia’s GDP. What makes it exciting, is the interest people and companies show in the country and the opportunities to expand and improve on current activities. There are thousands of small-scale and emerging farmers contribu-ting to the majority of the agricultural output. With help and guidance, they have the potential to grow and increase their contribut
ion and therefore contribute to the development of the agricultural sector as a whole. In short, agricultural opportunities in Zambia are limitless.