Online Reporter
Good morning, Zimbabwe
Welcome to our live coverage of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo 2025 that kicks off today in Mutare, and will run until Friday.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 18th edition of the Expo that is aimed at showcasing the country’s unique tourism offerings, foster business connections, and drive investments in the industry.
The 2025 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo is running under the theme: “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future”.
Overall, the Expo will feature a total of 420 exhibitors representing both domestic and international tourism stakeholders.
As the historic event unfolds, stay tuned for updates, insight and major highlights underpinning the tourism sector’s growing role in Zimbabwe’s economy.
Our team of reporters – Samuel Kadungure, Ray Bande, Nqobile Bhebhe, Tendai Gukutikwa and Liberty Dube as well as photographers, Tinai Nyadzayo and Eliah Saushoma – are on the ground and will bring us detailed and up-to-the-minute updates of proceedings
Expectations are running high as dignitaries and attendees eagerly await the arrival of President Mnangagwa at the Grand Reef Aerodrome.
The President is slated to officially open the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo this morning, a prestigious event that is drawing significant attention locally and internationally.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, is among those present.
Other key figures like Central Committee member, Cde Irene Zindi, ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, provincial youth chairperson, Cde Stan Sakupwanya and other Members of Parliament from across the province are also part of the gathering
Vice President Chiwenga arrives
VICE President Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare, greeted by a dignified delegation comprising Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and Government officials.
Among those receiving him are Defence Minister, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister Misheck Mugadza, Honourables Angeline Gata, Albert Nyakuedzwa, Innocent Benza, Raymore Machingura, Ngonidzashe Mudekunye, Sam Matema, Admire Mahachi, and Joshua Sacco among others
Buyers arrive
Buyers are arriving at the venue of the 2025 edition of the Sanganai/ Hlangani/Kumbanayi World Tourism expo in Mutare
Some of the buyers arriving at the venueExhibitors are staying put for the official opening
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has just landed at Grand Reef Aerodrome.
From there, he will proceed to Mutare Sports Club where he is set to officially open the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo.
He came aboard the Air Zimbabwe ATR 42-500 plane that started plying the Harare-Mutare route last Saturday.
With his arrival, the stage is set for him to officially open the Expo, spotlighting Mutare and Manicaland’s attractions and business opportunities
Ecstatic crowd to welcome President
An ecstatic crowd has gathered to welcome President Mnangagwa at Grand Reef Aerodrome
President Mnangagwa greets the crowd
Accompanied by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, President Mnangagwa is greeting the crowd gathered to welcome them at Grand Reef Aerodrome
Delegates fill up Sanganai World Tourism Expo venue
The main auditorium at the Sanganai World Tourism Expo is filling up as delegates take their seats in anticipation of the official opening ceremony, which is set to be addressed by President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa has already landed at the Grand Reef Airport, from where he is heading to Mutare Sports Club to officially open the event
Stage set for Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi (right), chats with Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge (centre) and Mutapa Investment CEO, Dr John Mangudya
Vice President Chiwenga arrives at the venue
VP Chiwenga has arrived at Mutare Sports Club
President Mnangagwa arrives for the official opening
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Mutare Sports Club for the official opening of the 2025 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
He was received by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Mischek Mugadza, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and several government officials.
His first stop was at Manicaland Province exhibition stand.
Running from September 10 to 12 at Mutare Sports Club, the Expo has drawn thousands of delegates, international buyers, investors and exhibitors, transforming the eastern border city into a hive of global tourism business.
The showcase is held under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development- Our Future”
Minister Mugadza gives welcome remarks
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza has taken to the podium to give welcome remarks.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for choosing Manicaland as the first province to host the 18th edition of the tourism expo after its decentralisation from Bulawayo.
He said hotel occupancy levels in Manicaland are at 100 percent due to international and local visitors who came for the expo.
He applauded the Harare-Mutare flight which he says has connected the tourism city (Mutare) to the nation, which will increase tourists into the nation.
Minister Mugadza said a number of development projects were successfully completed, while others recently commenced in Manicaland as the nation strives to achieve Vision 2030.
Some of the projects include the commencement of work on the Christmas Pass Bypass Road which has three interchanges, the refurbishment of Forbes Border Post, as well as the completion of the state-of-the-art Natpharm Warehouse, Smart GMB silos and provincial Registry Offices.
These are ready for commissioning. He said this was all made possible by the able leadership of President Mnangagwa
Devolution brings Expo to Manicaland: Minister Rwodzi
Hospitality and Tourism Industry Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi has taken to the podium to give her remarks.
She said hosting the Expo in Manicaland is in line with the devolution and inclusivity strategy that was introduced with the inception of the Second Republic. She said Manicaland is endowed with diverse tourism attractions next to Victoria Falls.
She applauded Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona for working hand in hand with her ministry to make the resuscitation of Grand Reef Aerodrome and the construction of some roads possible
President Mnangagwa takes to the podium to give keynote address
The President has welcomed buyers and tourists to the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
He said the event provides a platform to connect local and international investors, innovators and buyers, with innovative synergies forged with international markets.
He described Zimbabwe as the land of Munhumutapa, which offers diverse tourism and cultural heritage.
President Mnangagwa commended the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for being innovative, while also hailing Mutare City Council for the meticulous efforts in making the Expo a success.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu