Business Reporter
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says investor confidence remains high on the second republic’s agenda, as reflected by tourism investment, which surged by more than 200 percent.
He was speaking at the official opening of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/ Hlanganani/ Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo this Wednesday.
“Despite the various global realities, Zimbabwe is consolidating its position as one of the best and must visit tourist destinations. Investor confidence remains high, as reflected by tourism investment which rose by 229% to US$132.3 million in the first half of 2026 compared to US$40.2 million in the same period in 2025,” said Mnangagwa.
The expo has, over the years, been traditionally held in the City of Bulawayo. It is now being held on a rotational basis. Last year it was held in Mutare, and this year Masvingo is the host.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said this year’s event is unique as it is being held in the home of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, from which the country derives its name.
“This 19th Edition is particularly unique in that it is being held with the backdrop of the epic citadel of our country’s rich national heritage, the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. Its significance extends beyond the physical structures and architectural grandeur, to represent a civilisation that flourished, for centuries, upon these sacred lands. From here, our country derives its name, ‘Zimbabwe ‘. The ingenuity and innovation of our forefathers stand evident to this day, as a source of inspiration in the ongoing development, modernisation and industrialisation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
The towering monuments are a remarkable achievement in Africa, and a testimony to the organisational sophistication of our ancestry. As such, today we not only look to the past with pride, but into the future with boldness, immense optimism and confidence. Zimbabwe is indeed rising; our great continent of Africa is awakening and taking its rightful place,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is on the rise. The sector has seen a tremendous increase of 229 percent.
President Mnangagwa says the tourism industry should utilise digital technology to increase Brand Zimbabwe’s visibility.
“I challenge the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, along with other stakeholders, to scale up support for programmes such as the Nhaka Yedu/ Ilifa Lethu Domestic Tourism Campaign. I invite our people here at home, and in the Diaspora, to increase local travel to experience the vast beauty of our own country. Ngatishanye munyika yekwedu takasununguka, tichifara nemhuri neshamwari. “Tozipigwa” hedu,” he added.
