Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
HWANGE is intensifying efforts to transform itself from a mining-dependent economy into a diversified tourism and investment destination, with the Hwange Local Board aggressively marketing land for hotels, lodges and recreational developments to leverage the district’s proximity to the world-renowned Hwange National Park.
The initiative comes as the local authority seeks to broaden Hwange’s economic base, attract fresh investment and support the development of the proposed new Central Business District (CBD).
As part of the strategy, the board has in recent years advertised two lodge stands and one hotel stand overlooking the planned CBD, targeting investors interested in establishing hospitality facilities in the district.
Hwange Local Board corporate communications officer Mr Dumisani Nsingo said tourism had become a key pillar of the district’s economic transformation strategy.
“Hwange has the potential to evolve from being primarily a mining town into a diversified economic centre driven by tourism, commerce, industry and services. As the Hwange Local Board, we have already begun laying the foundation for this transformation through a deliberate marketing and investment promotion strategy,” he said.
Mr Nsingo said the board had deliberately changed its investment positioning after noting that some prospective investors viewed Hwange as being overly dependent on mining.
“Rather than marketing Hwange solely as a mining town, we now promote it as a tourism destination with thriving mining activities. This approach highlights the district’s diverse economic opportunities and its potential beyond extractive industries.
“The roadmap towards economic diversification focuses on leveraging Hwange’s strategic advantages. These include its proximity to the world-renowned Hwange National Park, its established energy and mining infrastructure, growing residential developments, and its location along key regional transport corridors.
“We are actively encouraging investment in tourism facilities, hospitality services, retail and commercial developments, manufacturing, renewable energy projects, housing, and value-addition industries linked to mining and agriculture.”
Mr Nsingo said the board was offering a range of tourism investment opportunities aimed at unlocking the district’s full tourism potential.
