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 Braai
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:
Largest Pumpkin
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.