As the Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia (ACSZ) prepares to unfurl the banners for its 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show this July 31st, anticipation is justifiably high. More than just an annual tradition, this event stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s enduring economic engine and its aspirations on the global stage. Under the resonant theme ‘Creating a Competitive Future’ the 2024 show arrives at a crucial moment, promising not just record-breaking attendance but a vital platform for progress.

The significance of this nearly century-old institution, meticulously stewarded by the ACSZ, cannot be overstated. As President Dr. Bernard Moonga rightly emphasizes, it represents 96 years of showcasing Zambian excellence. It is a living legacy where agricultural innovation meets commercial dynamism, where local ingenuity connects with international markets.

This year’s theme cuts to the core of Zambia’s economic imperative. In an increasingly interconnected and demanding global marketplace, fostering competitiveness is paramount. The show provides the unique ecosystem for this: a dynamic convergence point where farmers, industrialists, tech startups, financiers, and policymakers can share knowledge, forge partnerships, and benchmark against the best. Dr. Moonga’s vision of an “international and outstanding exhibition platform” is precisely what Zambia needs to propel its products and services forward.

The sheer breadth of patronage – spanning government, international ministries, NGOs, and sectors from mining and energy to tech, tourism, health, and education, underscores the show’s unmatched role as Zambia’s premier business nexus. It’s more than an exhibition; it’s a barometer of national and regional economic vitality, projecting Zambia’s potential to investors near and far.

Furthermore, ACSZ’s commitment to core values like self-help, environmental responsibility, and openness adds a crucial dimension. True competitiveness in the modern era is built not just on profit, but on sustainability and ethical practices. The show provides a platform to champion these principles alongside commercial success.

The 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show is poised to break records. More importantly, it is poised to break new ground. Let it be a catalyst, accelerating Zambia’s journey towards a more resilient, innovative, and truly competitive economy. The legacy of 96 years demands nothing less.

Let the Show begin!