Programme
For the Mpongwe Agricultural Expo 2026, the goal should be to move beyond a traditional exhibition and create an interactive agricultural experience where farmers, agribusinesses, families, youth, investors, and partners actively participate, learn, network, and do business.
Since the Expo is held on a 17-hectare farm, you have a unique opportunity to create a "living agriculture experience.
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2026
Official Opening & Agricultural Innovation Day
Morning
08:00 – 10:00
- Visitor Registration
- Stand Visits
- Live Entertainment
- Traditional Dance Groups
10:00 – 12:30
Official Opening Ceremony
- National Anthem
- Welcome Remarks
- Sponsor Remarks
- Guest of Honour Address
- Official Tour of Exhibitions
Afternoon
Agricultural Innovation Walk
Farmers visit demonstration zones including:
- Improved maize varieties
- Soybean production
- Groundnuts
- Vegetable production
- Irrigation technologies
- Greenhouse technologies
Extension officers explain best practices.
Machinery Demonstration Arena
Live demonstrations of:
- Tractors
- Rippers
- Planters
- Boom sprayers
- Shellers
- Solar irrigation systems
This is usually one of the biggest crowd-pullers.
Evening
Farmers Networking Cocktail
Sponsored braai and networking session.
Activities:
- Meet buyers
- Meet input suppliers
- Meet financiers
- Music and entertainment
Excellent for sponsorship opportunities.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2026
Farmer Skills & Business Day
This should be the most practical day.
Farmer Workshops
Run parallel sessions.
Workshop 1
Commercial Vegetable Production
Topics:
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Onion production
- Pest management
Workshop 2
Commodity Marketing & ZAMACE
Topics:
- Grain marketing
- Warehouse receipts
- Market prices
- Contract farming
Workshop 3
Backyard Gardening & Urban Agriculture
Topics:
- Sack gardens
- Vertical gardens
- Organic production
- Household food security
Practical demonstrations included.
Workshop 4
Youth in Agribusiness
Topics:
- Agritech
- Poultry
- Agribusiness startups
- Access to finance
Livestock Demonstration Area
Live demonstrations on:
- Dairy management
- Beef production
- Goat farming
- Poultry management
Include veterinarians.
Solar & Renewable Energy Zone
Practical demonstrations:
- Solar irrigation
- Solar cold rooms
- Solar pumps
- Solar home systems
Farmer Business Clinic
One-on-one consultations with:
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Input suppliers
- Commodity buyers
Evening
Farmers Campfire Night
Since the Expo is on a farm, create a designated camping area.
Activities:
- Bonfire
- Storytelling by successful farmers
- Networking
- Local food tasting
- Acoustic music
This can become a signature Expo attraction.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2026
Family Agriculture Day
Focus on families, youth and community engagement.
Farmers Market
Allow farmers to sell:
- Vegetables
- Honey
- Eggs
- Processed foods
- Crafts
Creates direct income opportunities.
Best Farmer Competitions
Categories:
Best Maize Crop Sample
Best Vegetable Display
Best Backyard Garden Concept
Best Youth Farmer
Best Female Farmer
Prizes sponsored by exhibitors.
Agriculture Challenge Arena
Fun but educational competitions.
Examples:
Wheelbarrow Race
Sack Race
Fastest Seed Planting Challenge
Poultry Handling Competition
Irrigation Setup Challenge
Crowd favorites.
Cooking Demonstrations
Using local produce:
- Soy products
- Vegetables
- Cassava
- Groundnuts
Nutrition-focused.
Children's Agriculture Zone
Activities:
- Seed planting
- Face painting
- Mini farm tours
- Petting animals
This attracts families.
Closing Ceremony & Awards
Awards for:
- Best Exhibitor
- Most Innovative Product
- Best Agricultural Technology
- Best Farmer Group
- Best Youth Initiative
- Best Partner
Special Zones Across All 3 Days
1. Demonstration Plot Village
A permanent feature.
Show:
- Maize
- Soybeans
- Groundnuts
- Vegetables
- Conservation agriculture
2. Innovation Hub
Invite:
- Agritech startups
- Universities
- Research institutions
Display:
- Drones
- Farm apps
- Precision agriculture tools
3. Backyard Garden Village
This fits perfectly with Mash-Ink's urban agriculture vision.
Demonstrate:
- Container gardens
- Vertical gardens
- Sack gardens
- Drip irrigation kits
Visitors should leave with practical ideas they can implement at home.
4. Agribusiness Investment Lounge
Private networking area for:
- Investors
- Development partners
- Agribusinesses
- Government agencies
Facilitate actual deals and partnerships.
Signature Activities That Can Make Mpongwe Expo Famous
🚜 Tractor Driving Experience
Visitors pay a small fee or register to drive a tractor under supervision.
🌽 Pick-Your-Own Harvest Experience
Visitors harvest maize or vegetables from demonstration plots.
🏕️ Farmers Camping Weekend
A dedicated camping zone with security and amenities.
🔥 Farmers Braai & Networking Night
A social event for exhibitors, sponsors, and farmers.
🌱 Take-Home Garden Kit
Visitors receive seeds and instructions for starting a backyard garden.
🏆 Mpongwe Farmer of the Year Awards
Recognize outstanding farmers and agricultural innovators.
These activities would transform the Mpongwe Agricultural Expo from a standard exhibition into a destination agricultural experience that attracts repeat visitors, sponsors, media coverage, and national attention.