ADDRESS
BY
THE PRESIDENT, HIS EXCELLENCY,
CDE. DR. E. D. MNANGAGWA
AT THE SANGANAI/HLANGANANI/DZIMBAHWE
WORLD TOURISM EXPO
MASVINGO
9 SEPTEMBER 2026
Director of Ceremonies;
The First Lady and Patron for Tourism,
Dr. A. Mnangagwa;
Vice President, Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga;
Vice President, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dr. K. C. D. Mohadi;
National Chairman of ZANU PF and Minister of Defence, Hon. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;
Politburo and Central Committee Members;
President of the National Chief’s Council,
Hon. Chief. Sen. M. Khumalo, nemadzimambo ose
aripano;
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution
Masvingo Province, Hon. E. R. Chadzamira;
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry,
Hon. B. Rwodzi;
Honourable Ministers;
Chief Secretary to President and Cabinet,
Dr. M. Rushwaya;
Chairman of the Public Service Commission,
Dr. V. Hungwe;
Senior Government Officials;
Members from the Diplomatic Community;
Comrades and Friends;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is my singular honour and privilege to officiate at this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, where business, investment, sports, gastronomy, and culture converge.
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, stands 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.
The imposing Great Zimbabwe Monument is a reminder that Zimbabwe’s tourism products extend beyond the celebrated wildlife and majestic Victoria Falls, 'Mosi-oa-Tunya’. Our nation’s competitive advantage equally rests on our rich history, culture, indigenous knowledge systems, music, cuisine, arts and heritage, as well as the warmth and hospitality of our people.
The decision, therefore, to anchor this 19th Edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026 World Tourism Expo, with the name Dzimbahwe rightly places our heritage at the centre of the tourism industry agenda. This is commendable. Well-done Masvingo.
Distinguished Delegates and Invited Guests;
In the true spirit of the times, this year’s theme ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’ is timely and forward looking. It must provoke the sector to reflect on the role of technology in tourism.
The deployment of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies has immense potential to redesign tourism beyond policy and governance or operational efficiency, to enable smarter destination management. It can positively impact tourist experiences, while also promoting sustainable, inclusive and efficient travel.
As we look into a future driven by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies, I challenge the Zimbabwe tourism industry to embrace innovation, to increase the visibility of destination Zimbabwe.
More must be done by the various government divisions to manage visitor flows, forecast demand, reduce overcrowding, and support environmental monitoring to make tourism safer and more convenient. In all tech- driven endeavors, the use of Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms should take into account the human face and our unique Zimbabwean as well as African culture. Digital tools should complement human roles, rather than replace them.
So far, I am pleased that all sectors of the economy continue to benefit from the current innovation-led development as well as stable and predictable policy frameworks.
This ecosystem, has remained the DNA of the ZANU PF-led Government. The tourism sector is demonstrating sustained growth, diversity and resilience, attributable to NDS-2 and Vision 2030. Models for tourism development must, therefore, continue on this transformative trajectory with tangible benefits, which help lift more people into a higher quality of life.
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. Congratulations.
Likewise, Zimbabweans are commended for the increase in domestic tourism from 5 million visitors in the first half of 2025 to 6.4 million, during the same period, this year.
It is commendable that growth in tourism sector has had trickle down effects in the Creative Cultural Industries, which contributed 8.8% to GDP. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo. Well-done Zimbabwe.
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 muNyika ya Munhumutapa.
To-date, Zimbabwe has received accolades from leading global platforms, including Forbes Magazine 2025 and Condé Nast Magazine 2026. Recently, the sector was conferred the Gold Award at the 2026 Chinese Tourist Welcome Awards, for excellence in destination marketing. Such recognition affirms the growing international appeal of Zimbabwe as a premier tourist destination. Makorokoto. Amhlophe. Congratulations.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Under my Administration, the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda is leaving no one and no place behind. The rotation of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo among our Provinces, gives practical effect to this unwavering commitment and ensures that tourism opportunities spread throughout the country.
The socio-economic dividends, accruing from tourism investments, are creating empowerment and employment opportunities, while also enhancing quality infrastructure, with regards roads, accommodation, and other social services.
The hosting of Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo has seen the transformation of the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, and repositioned it as a modern tourism, business, events and conferencing hub. These developments were made possible through collaborative synergies under the Whole of Government and Society Approach towards shared tourism goals.
I, therefore, invite international buyers and exhibitors to discover the Zimbabwe that lies beyond the exhibition halls. Please feel free to experience our breath-taking destinations.
Explore the cascading and mountainous landscapes, encounter the range of wildlife, enjoy our mouth-watering gastronomy and above all, share the warmth and friendliness of our people. Zimbabwe is a land of many opportunities; a great place to visit, work and live.
Similarly, I urge tourism operators in our country, to seize this Expo as a springboard for sustained growth, by developing innovative products and experiences.
Masvingo Province in particular, is challenged to strategically engage with a wide cross-section of stakeholders, to increase investments and develop new tourism products around the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi Mukosi, Manyuchi Dam, Gonarezhou and other attractions.
It is critically important to re-imagine a tourismdevelopment corridor that connects these nodal sites, including liberation war sites such as Kamungoma as well as Conservancies along the Save Valley, right down to Chikombedzi, where our local communities hold the Budula Festival-the Great Limpopo Cultural Trade Fair.
Partnerships must deepen people-to-people exchanges and strengthen trade to ultimately accelerate regional and continental integration. District by district, you have the obligation to help in the realisation of set provincial GDP growth targets by unlocking the competitiveness of Masvingo, as a tourism destination of choice. Local Authorities, should be enablers to tourism development and the associated new tourism products.
Meanwhile, it is my expectation that the frameworks and strategies proffered at this Expo, should be futuristic as well as fit for purpose, more so in a rapidly evolving global, tech-enabled tourism environment.
The momentum generated by this event must translate into lasting tourism infrastructure, investment, product development and ultimately an improvement in the quality of life for our people.
On its part, my Government stands ready to guarantee a conducive environment, necessary for the sector to flourish. Barriers that inhibit the development of new tourism products must be removed and travel procedures simplified, as we pursue an open sky strategy.
I call upon the private sector, development partners, communities and all players across the tourism value chain to complement these ongoing efforts. The adoption of climate-smart infrastructure and emerging technologies, to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation, as well as the promotion of sustainable use of water and energy resources, must be scaled up.
Through our collective efforts, let us secure long-term prosperity and sustainability of the tourism sector. My Administration will play its part.
In concluding, I commend the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the private sector, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, our esteemed traditional leaders, and the leadership of Masvingo Province, for the manner in which you have organised this successful event.
The flagship programmes which marked this year’s edition, provided the intricate linkage for travel promoters, investors, small to medium enterprises and visitors towards enhancing the competitiveness of Masvingo Province as a tourism destination. Well-done. Congratulations. Makorokoto. Amhlophe.
With these remarks, it is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe 2026 World Tourism Expo officially open. I wish you all a successful and memorable Expo.
God bless you all.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.