Victoria Falls set for major transformation

VICTORIA FALLS is set for a major tourism and investment boost following Cabinet’s approval of a strategic partnership that will pave the way for the development of a US$66,9 million integrated Tourism Park in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The project, which will be implemented through a partnership between the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) and JR Goddard Contracting, is expected to transform a significant portion of the Masuwe SEZ into a modern tourism hub supported by world-class infrastructure.

Work is expected to begin around the under-construction Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium before expanding across the wider tourism precinct. The development will provide critical infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage systems, electricity and stormwater drainage to support investment within the 272-hectare Tourism Park located inside the 1 200-hectare Masuwe SEZ.

The project is one of the flagship tourism developments being pursued under President Mnangagwa’s development agenda, which identifies tourism as one of the key drivers of economic growth alongside mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Since 2018, the Second Republic has prioritised infrastructure development, investment promotion and public-private partnerships as part of efforts to unlock the country’s tourism potential under the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.

Government has also adopted a cluster-based tourism strategy aimed at broadening the sector beyond traditional leisure travel into areas such as sports tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), medical and wellness tourism, and community-based tourism.

This approach is supported by the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030), launched by President Mnangagwa in August last year. The policy outlines a roadmap for growing the tourism sector through infrastructure development, sustainability, digital transformation, destination competitiveness and increased private sector participation.

President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stressed that tourism should be private sector-driven, community-owned and Government-facilitated, with investments such as the Masuwe Special Economic Zone expected to create jobs, attract foreign direct investment and contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

Speaking during a tour of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Oval led by Vice-President Dr Kembo Mohadi last Wednesday, MOTDC board chairperson Mr Phineas Makombe said the project marked an important step towards establishing Victoria Falls as a world-class tourism destination.

“The Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company is a State-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry with the mandate to plan, develop, manage and promote world-class tourism infrastructure in Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination.

“In 2018, Government, through Statutory Instrument 18 of 2018, established the Masuwe Special Economic Zone to facilitate investment in tourism infrastructure and financial services over an area measuring approximately 1 200 hectares. Within this Special Economic Zone, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company owns and manages 272 hectares earmarked for the development of an integrated Tourism Park,” he said.

Mr Makombe said the Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Oval was the anchor project within the broader master plan and would help attract additional investment into the area.

“Beyond this stadium, the master plan provides for the development of internationally branded hotels and resorts, a medical and wellness precinct, a championship golf estate, commercial and recreational facilities, a Culinary and

Hospitality School to be established in partnership with UN Tourism, as well as other tourism-supporting infrastructure designed to position Victoria Falls as Africa’s leading sustainable tourism destination,” he said.

Under the joint venture agreement, MOTDC will provide 271,5 hectares of land valued at US$25,6 million as equity-in-kind, while the JR Goddard Consortium will invest US$66,9 million towards infrastructure development.

The agreement gives MOTDC a 39 percent shareholding and the consortium a 61 percent stake, with a 25-year profit recoupment period.

Planned infrastructure works include the surfacing of eight kilometres of internal roads, the upgrading of nine kilometres of gravel roads, construction of a 13-kilometre water pipeline to serve the Special Economic Zone and surrounding communities, a package water treatment plant, sewer reticulation systems, effluent reuse storage ponds and a power substation.

Mr Makombe appealed for continued Government support to protect the integrity of the Special Economic Zone and safeguard its long-term investment potential.

“While significant progress has been made, we respectfully seek continued Government support in preserving the integrity of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone. The success of this development depends on maintaining the land for its intended purpose of high-value tourism and investment projects.

“It is therefore imperative that the Special Economic Zone retains its strategic character and is protected from incompatible developments that may undermine its long-term investment potential. Cabinet has already approved our strategic partnership with JR Goddard Contracting for the development of both on-site and off-site infrastructure.”

He said the phased rollout of infrastructure would ensure future developments within the Tourism Park are supported by services built to international standards.

Strategically located within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), the Masuwe Special Economic Zone was established to attract investment into tourism infrastructure and financial services.

The integrated Tourism Park is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism offering by providing high-quality facilities needed to support the continued growth of the industry.

Mr Makombe said the project demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to public-private partnerships and sustainable economic development.

“This project is a practical demonstration of the Second Republic’s commitment to public-private partnerships, investment promotion and sustainable economic development. It also complements the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s cluster-based tourism strategy, particularly in promoting sports tourism as a key pillar for attracting international visitors, creating employment and generating foreign currency,” he said.

Once completed, the development is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic activity and further position Victoria Falls as a leading tourism and investment destination in the region.

A major attraction within the development, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium, is now more than 80 percent complete and is expected to host matches during the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The event is anticipated to boost Zimbabwe’s international profile and drive increased investment in tourism, hospitality, transport and related infrastructure.