By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MUTARE — The Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo 2025 is set to go beyond showcasing Zimbabwe’s scenic attractions — it’s becoming a strategic platform for tourism investment and business growth, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the Expo, Tourism Minister Hon. Barbara Rwodzi said this year’s edition will intensify focus on attracting long-term investments into Zimbabwe’s tourism sector by creating deliberate networking and deal-making opportunities for local and international players.
“The Expo is not just an exhibition. It is an engine for strategic partnerships, capital inflows, and enterprise development across our tourism value chain,” said Rwodzi.
A key highlight of this year’s Expo will be the Tourism Investment Forum, which brings together policymakers, financiers, hospitality brands, tour operators, and government agencies to discuss bankable opportunities in areas such as eco-lodges, community tourism, adventure travel, and digital infrastructure.
Additionally, the event will host policy dialogues and academic panels aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s positioning as a competitive tourism destination, especially in the post-pandemic recovery era.
“This year’s Expo is a deliberate catalyst for serious conversations around financing, policy reform, and public-private partnerships that can transform the sector,” added Rwodzi.
Participating buyers and investors from seven countries — including Ghana, Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi — will also join destination familiarisation tours, providing them with first-hand insight into the country’s untapped potential in regions such as Nyanga, Vumba, and Chimanimani.
Local entrepreneurs, especially in SMEs and community-based tourism projects, are expected to benefit from B2B engagements with global partners seeking new experiences and value-aligned ventures.
The decision to host the Expo in Mutare, for the first time in 18 years, also aligns with Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda, unlocking investment opportunities outside traditional hubs like Harare and Bulawayo.
As Zimbabwe aims to increase tourist arrivals and boost its contribution to GDP, the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi 2025 Expo is shaping up to be a powerful lever for unlocking sustainable growth and economic resilience within the sector.
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