Zimbabwe’s growing dam economy is set to take centre stage at the upcoming National Agriculture Conference and Expo (NACE 2026), as policymakers and investors prioritise water infrastructure as a critical catalyst for economic growth and climate resilience.

The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, the Agricultural Marketing Authority, and Africa Economic Development Strategies, will focus on leveraging the country’s water bodies to boost cereal production, expand irrigation, and unlock high-value commercial sub-sectors.

Government officials, financial institutions, and agricultural experts attending the event will discuss strategies to scale up the dam economy’s core pillars.

These include converting underutilised dams into operational irrigation business units, expanding cage fisheries, securing livestock and domestic water supplies, and integrating hydro-energy generation.

According to the latest update from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), national dam storage levels averaged 87.2% as of August 27, 2026, a slight decline from 87.7% recorded a week earlier.

However, the current levels remain well above the long-term average of 66.2% expected for this time of the year and higher than the 80.9% recorded during the same period in 2025.

The favourable water situation highlights the strategic value of dam infrastructure in supporting Zimbabwe’s agriculture-based economy, particularly as climate change continues to increase weather-related uncertainties.

Water infrastructure, including dams, irrigation networks, and water-harvesting systems, will feature as a central priority at the National Agriculture Conference and Expo, as stakeholders target water security to drive food production and industrial expansion.

The country’s water reserves are expected to cushion farmers against potential dry spells associated with El Niño, ensuring that irrigation schemes continue operating even if rainfall patterns become erratic.

ZINWA says it is focusing on ensuring that crops under irrigation, as well as those planted under cropping programmes, have adequate water supplies to withstand dry conditions before the onset of the rainy season.

For agriculture experts, Zimbabwe’s strong dam levels are evidence that investment in water infrastructure yields benefits that extend beyond farming.

Reliable water supplies support agro-processing industries, mining operations, tourism facilities and urban water needs, creating a multiplier effect throughout the economy.

As officials prepare for the conference, there is growing recognition that dams should no longer be viewed solely as water storage facilities but as strategic national assets capable of unlocking economic opportunities and protecting livelihoods.

The conference is expected to explore ways of attracting both public and private sector investment into water infrastructure development, with increased emphasis on expanding irrigation capacity to reduce dependence on rainfall.

Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to develop and modernise water infrastructure as part of broader initiatives aimed at climate-proofing agriculture and improving national food security.

With dam levels remaining significantly above average, the country is better positioned to withstand potential weather shocks while maintaining agricultural production.

The strong water reserves provide a timely example of how infrastructure investment can enhance economic resilience.

As the threat of El Niño looms over the region, the message likely to emerge from the National Agriculture Conference and Expo is that every investment in water infrastructure is ultimately an investment in agricultural growth, business continuity and long-term economic development.