By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MASVINGO — From Dubai to Europe, from investment forums to diplomatic engagements, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has been a relentless ambassador for Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
At the Zimbabwe Tourism Investment Forum, held during the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi paid tribute to Prof Ncube’s efforts in carrying Zimbabwe’s investment case directly to the world.
“Dr Mthuli Ncube has stood highly in charting a new course for our economy, one defined by openness, re-engagement, and partnership with the world,” Rwodzi said.
“Of late, the Minister has carried Zimbabwe’s investment case directly to the world, engaging economic diplomacy partners worldwide, opening trade and investment dialogue, and holding high-level talks with development partners.”
Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube addressing delegates at Zimbabwe Investment Forum as part of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo pics by Lovejoy Mutongwizo
A Message of Openness
Each of these engagements has carried the same message: that Zimbabwe is united, stable, and firmly open for business.
The results are beginning to show. Foreign direct investment increased from US$597 million in 2024 to US$965 million in 2025. The economy grew by 8.3 percent in 2025.
Tourism investment surged by 229 percent in the first half of 2026 alone, reaching US$132.3 million.
These figures represent more than numbers. They are signals of confidence—evidence that investors are increasingly looking at Zimbabwe and seeing not only a destination but an investment opportunity.
Dubai Engagement Opens Doors
Perhaps the most significant diplomatic engagement came in Dubai, where President Mnangagwa met with Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, the developer behind the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The engagement has opened avenues for major premium hospitality and luxury hotel investments in Zimbabwe.
The meeting underscores the government’s proactive approach to attracting international capital. By engaging directly with global business leaders, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a destination of choice for capital, partnership, and shared prosperity.
Global Hospitality Brands Respond
The fruits of these diplomatic efforts are becoming visible. Global hospitality brands including Accor, Grand Hyatt, Four Seasons, Radisson Blu, and Hilton are expanding their presence and investment footprint in the country.
Hilton recently announced its first foray into Zimbabwe, signing an agreement with property developer Terrace Africa to develop a Hilton Garden Inn property in Harare’s upmarket Highlands district.
The 140-room hotel is scheduled to open in early 2029.
Hyatt Hotels has signed an agreement to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls, rebranding the iconic Kingdom Hotel which has been closed since 2023.
Accor is developing the Novotel Victoria Falls, while Park Inn by Radisson Resort Victoria Falls is scheduled to open in early 2029.
Their investment brings more than international brands—it brings global standards, distribution networks, technology, skills, market access, and increased investor confidence.
Institutional Capital Mobilised
Minister Rwodzi said Prof Ncube’s efforts have also catalysed domestic investment. Pension and institutional capital from organisations including the ZESA Pension Fund, the Government Pension Fund, Old Mutual, and the NRZ Pension Fund is increasingly finding its way into tourism and hospitality assets.
The Public Service Commission Pension Fund is investing in tourism assets through the acquisition of the Monomotapa Hotel and Ruparara Valley Lodge.
The Unified Councils Pension Fund and Mining Industry Pension Fund are collaborating on a four-star hotel development in Victoria Falls.
A Collective Effort
Yet Ncube is quick to emphasise that this is not a solo effort. The Investment Forum embodies a “collective, whole-of-government spirit” that is driving Zimbabwe’s investment agenda.
“Government cannot do it alone,” Ncube said. “We need pension funds, banks, development finance institutions, private equity, international investors, strategic partners, and innovative financing models.”
The whole-of-government approach involves coordination across ministries, parastatals, and provincial governments, all working together to create an enabling environment for investment.
The Road Ahead
As Zimbabwe pursues its ambition of becoming an Upper-Middle-Income Society by 2030, Ncube’s role as the country’s chief investment ambassador will remain critical. His message—that Zimbabwe is open for business and open for tourism investment—will continue to resonate with investors around the world.
“We have the assets, the demand, the projects, the investment pipeline and increasingly the capital and partners required to unlock them,” Ncube said.
“Zimbabwe is ready! Zimbabwe offers unbounded opportunities! Zimbabwe welcomes investors, domestic and foreign! Zimbabwe is Open for Business!”
#MthuliNcube #InvestmentDiplomacy #ZimbabweOpenForBusiness #FDI #Sanganai2026
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