VP Chiwenga spotlights tourism as key growth pillar

Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said tourism as a high-potential sector capable of driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth, underpinned by the country’s rich natural endowments and growing global recognition as a prime travel destination.

Addressing an oversubscribed International Business Conference (IBC) held on the sidelines of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo on Wednesday, VP Chiwenga said Government is intensifying efforts to position Zimbabwe as a leading destination for both leisure and business tourism.

“Tourism remains another high-potential sector. Zimbabwe is blessed with world-class attractions, rich culture, wildlife heritage and warm hospitality. We are positioning our country as a leading destination for leisure travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE),” he said.

He said the country’s growing international acclaim reflects deliberate policy thrusts and strategic investments aimed at enhancing the sector’s competitiveness.

“We do not take it lightly that Zimbabwe was recognised by Forbes magazine as the best destination for 2025 and that the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi was named the ‘Tourism Minister of the Year-Africa’ in Berlin Germany this year,” said VP Chiwenga.

The Vice-President also noted that Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO), describing it as a transformative milestone that will significantly boost the country’s profile as a continental trade and investment hub.

“In addition, the selection of Zimbabwe as the headquarters of the Intra- African Trade Fair is a high impact strategic win. This will open up the country as a central and regular host of trade exhibitions, conferences and business engagements thereby increasing our visibility as a trade and investment hub,” he said.

Zimbabwe emerged as the winning bidder to host the headquarters during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algeria, outperforming bids from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.

The large-scale trade fairs are expected to be held annually in Zimbabwe until 2033, after which the country, as the permanent headquarters host, will alternate with other African nations.

VP Chiwenga said the anticipated growth in visitor arrivals presents vast opportunities for investment across the tourism value chain.

“As visitor numbers grow, investment opportunities exist in hotels, convention facilities, transport services, eco-tourism, entertainment and hospitality training,” he said.

He noted that while global economic headwinds persist, Zimbabwe is strategically positioning itself to turn emerging challenges into opportunities.

“In pursuing our development objectives, we remain mindful of evolving global risks, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs.

‘However, these challenges also present opportunities for Zimbabwe to position itself as a stable, reliable and competitive investment destination,” he said.

“Zimbabwe should therefore safeguard against the negative impacts of geo-political dynamics by focusing on building local capacity for increasing fuel alternatives, steel manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals leveraging on its vast natural resource endowments.”
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