Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to host regional and international engagements that present a significant opportunity to strengthen its global standing, deepen diplomatic and economic ties, while showcasing its status as a safe destination for business and investment.
After its assumption of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) chairmanship next week, Zimbabwe will also assume its role on the United Nations Security Council starting in January next year.
Zimbabwe will also host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027 to be played in Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo.
These milestones will place the country firmly in the international spotlight, offering a platform to demonstrate its leadership, enhance its global profile and attract new economic opportunities.
Contributing to the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Mnangagwa in Parliament, Member of Parliament Auxillia Dhanzi said: “Mr Speaker Sir, the world is watching us.”
“…on 21st October, we will assume the chairmanship of COMESA. In January 2027, we take our seat on the United Nations Security Council, and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup comes to Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
“2027 is Zimbabwe’s year on the world stage, but the spotlight should not find it unprepared. When the cameras arrive, they will show our roads, our airports and our welcome to the whole world.”
She said the international attention that would accompany the tournament must be matched by improvements in infrastructure, particularly roads and airports, to ensure that visitors experience a country that is prepared to host major global events.
MP Dhanzi called on the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to deliver on the commitment to rehabilitate 50 kilometres of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway before the tournament begins.
She also highlighted the need to expand cargo facilities at Victoria Falls International Airport and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, saying the country’s transport infrastructure must be aligned with its ambitions.
“Our visitors must land on runways and drive on roads that match our ambitions; first impressions last forever,” she said.
MP Dhanzi said the Cricket World Cup should not only serve as a platform to market Zimbabwe internationally, but must also generate tangible economic benefits for local communities, particularly young people, women, artists and small businesses.
She called for deliberate local participation in the organisation of major international events, with opportunities created for communities to benefit from contracts in vending, catering, transport and hospitality.
“I call for deliberate local participation, a plan for every major event, a grand share of vending, catering, transport and hospitality contracts for local youth and women, our artists and craftsmen, the main stages and in the fan zone so that those who have homes in Victoria Falls and Hwange communities will also receive the visitor’s dollar. A World Cup that leaves nothing in the community is a party for others in our house,” she said.
MP Dhanzi said the involvement of local communities would be essential in ensuring that the international sporting spectacle translates into employment, business opportunities and increased household incomes.
“Let us show them a Zimbabwe that is ready, a Zimbabwe that is proud and a Zimbabwe where every citizen shines like a star,” she said.
Quoting Bible verse Matthew 5:14, she likened Zimbabwe to the city on a hill whose light should shine before the world through its achievements and good works.
“Zimbabwe is that city on the hill, our lights must shine. I come from Masvingo Province where the lights shine and the majority of people admire the province.”
Beyond preparations for the big events, MP Dhanzi raised concern over the trafficking and exploitation of young Zimbabweans, who are lured abroad by fraudulent job offers.
She urged Parliament to urgently pass the Trafficking in Persons Bill, which she said was critical to protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
