Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
Zimbabwe’s hunting revenue is projected to jump 25 percent this year from US$40 million to US$50 million, as the safari industry cements its position as the key engine of the tourism, an official said.
The surge in hunting receipts comes as the broader safari sector significantly contributes to the country’s tourism activity, Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe president Dr Emmanuel Fundira said.
Tourism is ranked among the country’s major economic sectors alongside manufacturing, mining and agriculture. The sector generated about US$1,2 billion in 2025 and attracted more than 1,6 million international visitors.
Speaking on the sector’s performance, Dr Fundira said while the broader tourism industry was projected to grow by 3 percent annually through 2026, safari-related earnings remain key for the trajectory.
“The safari industry in Zimbabwe is therefore very high performing; it has been very resilient and central to economic growth, with a strong recovery after past downturns,” Dr Fundira said.
He added that if satellite accounting — which incorporates accommodation, specialised use permits and related services — is factored in, total safari-related earnings could easily reach US$100 million.
The sector’s momentum is underpinned by a 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals recorded in 2025.
Dr Fundira attributed the growth to Zimbabwe’s “natural endowments” — world-class attractions like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools — coupled with supportive Government policies.
These include duty-free imports for safari vehicles and tax incentives that have catalysed investment.
According to Dr Fundira, the rise of conservation-conscious travellers has also been a key growth driver.
“Tourists increasingly prefer ecotourism and the conservation-focused experience, which really has driven this level of performance, most importantly, the adoption by the industry of a conservation-based model, where revenue reinvestment into wildlife conservation has improved sustainability and global appeal.”
Dr Fundira emphasised that the industry’s health is tied to its international reputation.
“The rich natural assets which we enjoy in Zimbabwe are the main key drivers, but it is the continuous improvement on cultural tourism and local enterprise that has created a unique advantage for destination Zimbabwe.”
A critical component of this growth is the “regenerative” model, which ensures that local communities are direct beneficiaries of safari operations. In several districts, communities receive up to 60 percent of safari revenues, transforming wildlife from a perceived threat into an economic asset.
“This indeed reduces poverty, builds local support for conservation and strengthens the long-term success of the safari industry,” Dr Fundira noted.
“These funds are used for the funding of schools, clinics, and water sanitation. Villagers begin to see wildlife as an economic asset and not a threat, and by so doing, we have seen a decrease in poaching,” he added.
He elaborated on the psychological shift within these communities, noting: “By making communities the core face and the protector of these animals, we ensure that the industry becomes a valuable resource for the people, which they see as worth protecting.”
Despite the optimistic revenue projections, the industry is lobbying for a more stable regulatory environment to unlock the full potential of a US$10 billion tourism economy by 2030.
Key challenges remain, including high operating costs that impact regional competitiveness, infrastructure gaps in transport and access, and environmental pressures such as climate change and elephant overpopulation.
Dr Fundira pointed out that while these hurdles exist, they are manageable with the right policy framework.
“Some of the gaps are on the policy and regulatory environment, were as industry players, we continue to emphasise the need for stable regulations to unlock growth. Properly addressed, these issues can easily mitigate the performance hurdles we have seen,” said Dr Fundira.
He reaffirming the sector’s central role in the nation’s future.
“Our future performance depends on improving infrastructure, maintaining policy stability, and balancing conservation with community benefits. This ensures the industry becomes truly sustainable and regenerative.”
