Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE World Bank has urged the expansion of the Kaza UniVisa as a cornerstone for unlocking a new era of tourism and trade prosperity for Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The call was made by Mr Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, during his address at the Zambia-Zimbabwe Tourism and Trade Facilitation Meeting held in Livingstone, Zambia, on Wednesday.
The high-level dialogue included Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Tongai Mnangagwa, and Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba.
Mr Belete described the two nations as “twins with a shared destiny”.
He highlighted the tourism sector’s remarkable post-pandemic rebound, noting that Zimbabwe recorded an impressive 1.6 million international arrivals in 2024.
“The tourism sector stands as a beacon of resilience and opportunity. This impressive recovery speaks to the enduring appeal of our countries as tourist destinations,” said Mr Belete.
He positioned tourism as a critical engine for job creation, particularly for women and youth, who make up a significant share of employment in the sector.
This, he said, makes tourism essential for accelerating inclusive growth and creating more and better jobs to keep pace with the region’s growing working-age population.
However, he stressed the need for a clear pathway to greater success through enhanced bilateral co-ordination.
Mr Belete identified persistent non-tariff barriers, such as complex border procedures and inconsistent visa policies, as major hurdles to growth.
To overcome these challenges, he called for harmonising visa regimes, with a specific focus on expanding the Kaza UniVisa.
This, combined with joint marketing of shared attractions such as Victoria Falls, was presented as a direct strategy to attract more visitors and stimulate both economies.
“By harmonising visa regimes, such as expanding the Kaza UniVisa, and jointly marketing shared attractions, we can attract more visitors and stimulate both economies,” he said.
This vision of a seamlessly connected region was reinforced by the recent signing of two Memoranda of Understanding and the establishment of a bilateral commission.
The launch of the landmark Zambia-Zimbabwe Oil and Gas Pipeline (ZIZOP) project was also highlighted as a key initiative to enhance energy security and create new avenues for collaboration.
Mr Belete commended the leadership of both nations and assured them of the World Bank’s unwavering support.
“The Bank remains steadfast in its support to your governments, working hand in hand to unlock the full potential of the tourism sector,” he said, emphasising a collaborative and prosperous future for the citizens of both nations and the region at large.
The meeting signals a strong commitment from both governments and international partners to transform the Livingstone-Victoria Falls area into a globally competitive, integrated trade and tourism hub.
