Wallace Ruzvidzo Zimpapers Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has rewarded Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi with a Ford Ranger Raptor in recognition of her being voted the 2026 Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year.
The President said the honour had brought pride to Zimbabwe and elevated the country’s international profile.
He presented the vehicle last night, describing the award, which Minister Rwodzi won through a continent-wide and global public vote, as recognition of her dedication and contribution to transforming the tourism industry.
In a congratulatory message on his official X account, President Mnangagwa said the award reflected the country’s growing profile and its determination to build a world-class tourism sector.
“I join the entire nation in extending my heartfelt congratulations to our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, on being named the Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards in Nairobi, Kenya,” he said.
“Winning this prestigious honour through a continent-wide and global public vote is a powerful testament to her tireless dedication, transformative leadership and our collective commitment to building a thriving, world-class tourism sector.
“In recognition of this remarkable milestone and her continued commitment to serving our nation, I am pleased to present her with a Ford Ranger Raptor as a token of appreciation for flying the Zimbabwean flag high.”
President Mnangagwa said the recognition was a national achievement, demonstrating the country’s growing presence on the continental and international stage.
“This achievement does not belong to Hon. Rwodzi alone. It is a proud moment for Zimbabwe and a clear signal to the world that our nation is open, welcoming, and on the rise.
“Congratulations once again, Honourable Minister. Keep making Zimbabwe proud!” he wrote.
In an interview after receiving the vehicle, Minister Rwodzi expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa, describing the gesture as unexpected and the award as a collective achievement involving her Ministry and the country.
“It’s a total surprise that the Head of State, His Excellency the President, has just honoured the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and of course the award is for all of us with the team in the Ministry,” she said.
“Even if he gave it to me, it’s actually a surprise…I don’t even know how to thank His Excellency and Her Excellency (the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa) for giving me this opportunity to be the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and for being part of those who were nominated, the ministers, the Cabinet Ministers of Africa who were nominated to compete for the best African Cabinet Minister.”
Minister Rwodzi said the recognition would further encourage collective efforts towards achieving the President’s Vision 2030 goal of attaining upper-middle-income economy status.
“I also want to just say thank you very much, Zimbabwe, and thank you very much, everyone, who is taking part in working towards the vision of the President of achieving upper-middle-income society.
“And let me not forget the constituency that voted for me to be an MP and subsequently a Minister.
I thank you, Chirumanzu,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi was named the overall winner following a public voting process involving participants from across Africa and beyond.
Kenya’s Minister of Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, was named first runner-up, while the country’s Minister of East African Affairs, Beatrice Askul, came second. Uganda’s Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, came out third.
