By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
KARIBA is set to host the Sanganayi/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in September 2027, a major decision that officials say will reframe the destination’s image while accelerating investment beyond the city’s reputation for energy generation.
Announcing the development today during the launch of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2026–2030 at Waterfront Resort in Kariba, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Chief Director Tarisai Musonza said the expo is designed to spread high-impact tourism programming across Zimbabwe’s provinces and strengthen marketing of emerging visitor hubs.
“I can confirm that Kariba will be the proud host of Sanganayi/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2027,” Musonza said.
Instead of presenting Kariba primarily as a stopover, the Chief Director said the expo will position the town as a complete tourism offering—anchored not only by Lake Kariba, but also by wildlife experiences, fishing culture, scenic landscapes, and local heritage.
“This Expo will position Kariba as more than just a power generation hub,” Musonza stated. “Lake Kariba, wildlife, fishing and cultural heritage make this a world-class destination. This Expo will put Kariba on the global map and drive investment in infrastructure, hotels and services.”
Musonza acknowledged that shifting the expo from established venues such as Bulawayo and previously Mutare has historically been challenging due to differences in tourism infrastructure readiness.
She said international buyers often expect conferencing, accommodation, and transport systems that meet global standards.
“For years it was in Bulawayo. Last year we went to Mutare. It’s never easy because international buyers expect proper facilities. But we have managed, and we will do the same for Kariba.”
This year’s expo is scheduled for Masvingo, but Kariba is already being urged to begin groundwork without delay.
“The sooner we plan, the better,” Musonza said. “Where will the exhibition be held? Where will we accommodate everyone? The traffic exhibitors, buyers, tourists is huge. Planning must start now.”
Expo planning, according to officials, will extend beyond venues to public systems that enable large-scale movement of people and goods. Musonza added that government will coordinate support as the country moves toward 2027.
“For roads, water, restaurants—these must be ready,” she said. “Government will play its part as we move toward 2027.”
Local tourism stakeholders welcomed the decision, describing it as an opportunity for Kariba to directly pitch lodges, houseboats, tour operators, and travel services to international buyers.
Kariba Business and Tourism Indaba Coordinator Cephas Shonhiwa
Tourism operateor Mrs Tenda Kangoma called it “a breakthrough,” adding that Kariba must upgrade key facilities quickly to avoid being outpaced by competitors.
“Sanganayi 2027 lets us market our lodges, houseboats and tours directly to international buyers. But we must urgently upgrade conference venues and transport,” Shonhiwa said. “We can’t be caught unprepared.”
Mayor Ralph Nyasha said the city has already begun aligning municipal operations and infrastructure planning with upcoming global tourism expectations.
“Kariba is already acting,” Nyasha said. “Roads and public facilities are being upgraded. We’re working with the private sector to meet global standards. The economic impact will be massive for our people.”
Sanganayi/Hlanganani is Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism showcase. The government noted that taking the event to Kariba is expected to boost domestic tourism while supporting national development targets.
The strategy also reinforces government efforts to achieve US$5 billion in annual tourism earnings by 2030**, with major events seen as a key driver for increasing arrivals, raising visibility, and unlocking investment.
For Kariba, the expo is now more than a calendar event—it is being framed as a platform to attract global attention, improve tourism readiness, and redefine how the destination is marketed to the world.
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