Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
DESTINATION Zimbabwe continues to shine on the global stage following a high-profile visit by His Excellency Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani of the Qatar royal family, who held strategic engagements with the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, in Victoria Falls.
The landmark discussions, attended by top City of Victoria Falls officials, focused on large-scale investments in the country’s tourism sector.
In an update on its official X account, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the talks were aimed at deepening Zimbabwe’s positioning as a premium international destination.
“The high-level discussions focused on strategic tourism infrastructure investments, including hotels, restaurants and a convention centre to increase visitor length of stay, with special emphasis placed on the Masuwe land earmarked for accommodation, medical, sport and MICE tourism,” the ministry said.
The ministry said Minister Rwodzi outlined investment opportunities stretching beyond Victoria Falls, pointing to Kariba, the Eastern Highlands, Harare and Masvingo as prime locations for diverse tourism products.
The City of Victoria Falls, in turn, showcased two prime hotel sites already packaged for development.
“The Minister also spotlighted opportunities for investment across Kariba, the Eastern Highlands, Harare and Masvingo while the City of Victoria Falls revealed two prime hotel sites ready for development.”
For his part, Sheikh Mansour expressed enthusiasm for Zimbabwe’s growth trajectory.
“Sheikh Mansour expressed keen interest in the prospects, highlighting sustainable development, tourism growth and technology sharing with the engagements set to culminate in the signing of Memoranda of Agreement in the identified key areas,” the ministry added.
This historic visit marks one of the most significant outcomes of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, cementing Zimbabwe’s standing as a trusted partner for international collaboration.
Observers note that the Qatar royal family’s growing interest in Zimbabwe is not accidental but a direct result of the country’s diplomatic and economic repositioning.
Over the past 10 months, Qatar has quietly laid a strong foundation for partnership, anchored on mutual trust, strategic alignment and shared prosperity.
The extended presence of Qatar in Zimbabwe also signals a long-term, multidimensional relationship that aligns with Harare’s national development vision.
Zimbabwe’s central position within the Southern African region has made it a focal point of Qatar’s wider strategy, which also encompasses neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Burundi, Botswana and Angola.
Analysts say this latest engagement underscores Qatar’s recognition of Zimbabwe’s pivotal role in advancing regional stability, connectivity and growth.
As Zimbabwe builds on its reputation as a global tourism hub, the visit by Sheikh Mansour is expected to unlock new corridors of investment, transform infrastructure, and further elevate the country’s international brand.
