By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Board has resumed full oversight responsibilities following the completion of a forensic examination of the Authority’s operations, Chairman Mr. Farai Chimba has confirmed.
Presenting his statement at ZTA‘s inaugural Annual General Meeting on 17 June 2026, Mr Chimba provided transparency on a period of institutional upheaval, revealing that the Board was temporarily unable to exercise its full oversight responsibilities to facilitate the smooth conduct of the forensic process.
“The year 2024 was marked by significant institutional developments,” Mr Chimba said.
“Following the commencement of a forensic examination of the Authority’s operations, the Board was temporarily unable to exercise its full oversight responsibilities to facilitate the smooth conduct of the process.”
Continuity Amid Change
Notwithstanding these circumstances, Mr Chimba noted that the Authority continued to receive strategic guidance and support from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, ensuring continuity in operations and implementation of key programmes.
The forensic examination, while not detailed in the Chairman’s statement, underscores Government’s commitment to restoring accountability and institutional credibility following governance challenges that had previously plagued the Authority.
A Reformed Authority
Chimba’s statement comes at a time of renewed confidence in ZTA’s governance structures. The Authority now has a substantive Board and Chief Executive Officer in place, laying a firm foundation for a stronger and more effective institution.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Board, Management, and Staff of ZTA for their commitment to rebuilding systems, strengthening governance structures, and restoring stakeholder confidence.
Commitment to Good Governance
Mr Chimba emphasised the Board’s commitment to strengthening governance systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering strategic partnerships.
The Chairman noted that the Authority remained focused on its mandate of promoting and developing tourism through strategic destination marketing, market diversification, stakeholder engagement, and product development initiatives.
Throughout the period under review, the Authority continued to strengthen partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders to enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and international tourism markets.
A New Chapter
The inaugural Annual General Meeting itself is a testament to ZTA’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.
It provides a platform for reviewing performance, strengthening accountability, and collectively shaping the future direction of the Authority.
Mr Chimba also extended appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for its leadership and unwavering support to the sector.
Looking Forward
As the Board resumes full oversight, Chimba expressed optimism about the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
“Looking ahead, the prospects for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector remain positive,” he said. “Continued recovery in global tourism demand, increased investment opportunities and the country’s rich natural and cultural attractions position the sector for further expansion.”
He reiterated the Board’s commitment to advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism agenda and ensuring that tourism continues to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.
A Sector Rebuilt
The forensic examination and subsequent governance reforms mark a significant chapter in ZTA’s history. With the Board now fully operational and a clear commitment to transparency and accountability, the Authority is well-positioned to drive Zimbabwe’s tourism growth agenda.
As Mr Chimba concluded: “We remain committed to advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism agenda, strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy and ensuring that tourism continues to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.”
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