98th Show Set to Deliver Economic Boost

Fully booked exhibition space signals confidence in agriculture, trade and investment opportunities

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – 16-07-2026 - The 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show is set to provide a major boost to Zambia’s economy after organisers announced that all exhibition space has been fully booked, signalling renewed confidence from businesses, farmers and investors despite the uncertainties surrounding the election period.

The annual showcase, which has grown beyond a traditional agricultural exhibition into a major trade and investment platform, will bring together farmers, corporate entities, government institutions, innovators and international exhibitors to explore opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, finance, technology and commerce.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia (ACSZ) Vice President Mr. Rene (R.) Lourens said the overwhelming response from exhibitors demonstrates the continued relevance of the show in promoting economic growth, business partnerships and investment opportunities.

Mr. Lourens said organisers had initially anticipated that the election period could affect exhibitor participation but were encouraged by the strong response from businesses.

“We had mentally prepared that this election year may not be our best exhibitor-wise. However, we are happy to report that exhibitor response has been overwhelming. We have successfully filled all available exhibition space across our 198,000 square metres of exhibition grounds,” he said.

The 98th edition of the Agricultural and Commercial Show will run from July 29 to August 3, 2026, at the Lusaka Showgrounds under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment.”

Mr. Lourens said the show continues to serve as a critical platform for connecting farmers, entrepreneurs, investors and consumers while promoting innovation, market access and economic development.

He said agriculture remains a key pillar of Zambia’s economy, with the exhibition providing farmers an opportunity to showcase their products, access new markets and adopt modern farming practices.

“The Agricultural and Commercial Show is more than an exhibition. It is a marketplace of ideas, innovations and opportunities. By showcasing our crops, livestock and agro-products, we create opportunities for farmers, attract investment and strengthen Zambia’s position in regional trade,” Mr. Lourens said.

The economic significance of this year’s show has been further strengthened by support from major corporate partners and sponsors who continue to recognise the exhibition as an important platform for trade, investment and national development.

Among the key sponsors and partners supporting the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show are the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), ZESCO, Sun King, Stanbic Bank Zambia, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Lumwana Mine and Barrick, among others.

Their participation reflects the growing diversity of the exhibition, which now brings together different sectors of the economy, including mining, energy, finance, technology, manufacturing and agriculture.

Through their involvement, the companies are expected to showcase their products, services and innovations while creating opportunities for engagement with farmers, businesses and members of the public.

Mr. Lourens said the continued involvement of leading companies demonstrates the importance of partnerships between the private sector, government institutions and agricultural stakeholders in supporting Zambia’s economic transformation.

He said this year’s show will feature more than 150 small-scale farmers drawn from provincial agricultural shows, who will participate alongside commercial farmers, businesses, government institutions and international exhibitors.

Mr. Lourens said international participation will include exhibitors and delegates from India, South Korea, South Africa, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Canada, the Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, Angola and Mozambique.

He said interest has also been received from Italy, Botswana and Germany, demonstrating the growing recognition of the Agricultural and Commercial Show as a regional and international trade and investment platform.

To improve the experience of exhibitors and visitors, Mr. Lourens said the Society has introduced several enhancements, including a strengthened electronic judging system and electronic ticketing to improve efficiency, transparency and crowd management.

He said the Great East Road entrance has also been expanded to ease access and reduce congestion during the exhibition.

To encourage wider public participation, the Society has maintained affordable entry fees, with daily tickets pegged at K70 per person.

Adult badges will cost K300, junior badges K100, exhibitor badges K270, VIP badges K700, while vehicle stickers will cost K100.

In line with Government’s 24-hour economy initiative, Mr. Lourens said the show will operate with extended hours during business days, allowing visitors who may not be available during normal operating hours to attend evening business networking sessions and entertainment activities.

Visitors will also enjoy an entertainment programme featuring Zambia’s local musicians, cultural performances, motorcycle stunt riders, skydivers, Zambia National Service calisthenics and a spectacular animal parade.

As part of activities leading to the event, ACSZ will hold a promotional march on July 25, 2026, from Kabwe Roundabout to the Showgrounds to raise awareness and build excitement ahead of the exhibition.

Mr. Lourens encouraged exhibitors, corporate organisations, government institutions, learning institutions, cooperating partners and members of the public to participate in the march and the main event.

He further urged exhibitors to invest in professional, innovative and modern exhibition stands as preparations begin for the 100th edition of the Agricultural and Commercial Show in 2028.

The 98th show will also feature business networking luncheons, investment forums, panel discussions, SME hubs, ICT innovation exhibitions, technology displays for young learners, as well as art, essay and poetry competitions.

Visitors have been encouraged to download the official Agricultural Show mobile application available on Play Store and Apple Store, which contains the full programme and information about exhibitors.

Mr. Lourens said the Guest of Honour for the official opening ceremony will be announced by the Office of the Republican President, which serves as Patron of the show.

He said the Guest of Honour is expected to officially open the exhibition and unveil Government’s roadmap towards the centenary edition in 2028, marking 100 years of the Society’s contribution to Zambia’s agricultural and commercial development.

Mr. Lourens also appealed to Zambians to continue maintaining peace as the country approaches the general elections, saying a peaceful environment remains critical for business growth, investment and economic progress.

He said the Agricultural and Commercial Show continues to create opportunities for farmers, businesses and investors while contributing to job creation, market access and national economic transformation.

Mr. Lourens officially declared ticket sales for the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show of Zambia open, encouraging citizens to attend the event and experience Zambia’s agricultural strength, business potential and investment opportunities.