Liberty Dube
Business Correspondent
CHIMANIMANI is stepping boldly onto the investment stage, positioning itself as one of Manicaland’s most promising tourism and business destinations through the inaugural Chimanimani Business Symposium and Expo 2026.
The two-day event, scheduled for October 21 and 22 at Chimanimani Hotel, is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and policymakers from across the province to explore opportunities, forge strategic partnerships and unlock the district’s immense economic potential.
Running under the theme: ‘Building Partnerships. Driving Investment. Creating Prosperity’, the symposium and Expo will shine a spotlight on key sectors that are driving growth in Chimanimani and Manicaland, including tourism, hospitality, horticulture, mining and forestry.
The event is set to provide a dynamic platform where businesses can showcase products and services, engage potential investors and participate in discussions focused on enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.
More than just a business gathering, the Expo is expected to position Chimanimani as a prime destination for investment, while creating new opportunities for collaboration between businesses operating within and beyond the district.
The symposium’s key discussion themes include unlocking Chimanimani’s investment potential, revitalising horticulture for export-led growth and enhancing the district’s standing as one of Zimbabwe’s emerging tourism, mining, forestry and hospitality hubs.
For a district renowned for its breath-taking scenery and agricultural richness, the event arrives at a strategic time.
Chimanimani boasts some of Zimbabwe’s most spectacular natural attractions, including the majestic Chimanimani Mountains, which attract hikers, adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. The district is also home to iconic destinations such as Bridal Veil Falls and Tessa’s Pool, both of which continue to draw visitors seeking unique outdoor experiences.
The Chimanimani National Park, celebrated for its rugged mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife and world-class hiking trails, further strengthens the area’s reputation as a leading eco-tourism destination.
Beyond its natural beauty, Chimanimani offers visitors rich cultural experiences through surrounding communities where traditional heritage, local customs and authentic rural lifestyles provide additional tourism opportunities.
These attractions present significant prospects for investment in hotels, lodges, adventure tourism, transport services, restaurants and other tourism-related enterprises capable of generating employment and stimulating local economic activity.
With global tourism trends increasingly favouring authentic, nature-based experiences, Chimanimani is strategically positioned to expand its tourism footprint while ensuring surrounding communities benefit from the sector’s growth.
One of the organisers, Mr Tamuka Macheka, said the Expo will serve as a catalyst for partnerships that extend beyond tourism.
“The horticulture sector presents opportunities for farmers, suppliers, processors, transporters and other businesses to establish commercial partnerships, improve market access and explore value addition. For businesses across Manicaland, participation in the Expo can open avenues for collaboration beyond their immediate communities, enabling enterprises to identify new markets, exchange ideas and establish relationships with potential partners,” he said.
Mr Macheka added that stronger linkages between agriculture, tourism and hospitality can help develop resilient local supply chains, particularly through the provision of fresh produce and locally sourced products to hotels, lodges and restaurants.
Horticulture is expected to feature prominently during the event as stakeholders explore ways of promoting export-oriented production, increasing value addition and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Such initiatives can ensure that investment flows into tourism and hospitality translate into tangible economic benefits for farmers, small businesses and communities throughout the district.
The symposium is also expected to broaden discussions around value addition and beneficiation in some of Manicaland’s most important sectors, particularly forestry, timber processing and mining.
Mr Macheka said the province’s vast forestry resources present opportunities to move beyond the export of raw timber and towards high-value industries such as sawmilling, furniture manufacturing, timber treatment and flooring production.
“Investment in these activities can create employment, support small and medium enterprises and open new markets for locally manufactured products. Developing the timber value chain will also create opportunities for businesses involved in forest management, transport, equipment supply, packaging and distribution,” he said.
He noted that stronger partnerships between timber producers, manufacturers and local entrepreneurs could help retain more economic value within the province while promoting sustainable forest management practices that safeguard resources for future generations.
Chimanimani courts investors with business expo
