President Mnangagwa Officially Opens Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanai Expo at Mutare Sports Club

By Staff Reporter

Mutare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday officially opened the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanai World Tourism Expo at Mutare Sports Club, declaring Zimbabwe ready to cement its place as a premier tourism destination on the African continent.

The high-profile international tourism showcase, which is running from 10 to 12 September 2025, has attracted 420 domestic and international exhibitors. Organisers confirmed that the first two days, 10 and 11 September, have been set aside for business-to-business exchanges, while 12 September will be open to the general public.

In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism assets must be leveraged to spur economic growth, create employment, and enhance cultural diplomacy. He highlighted the country’s unique tourism offerings – from the world-famous Victoria Falls to the scenic Eastern Highlands, vast wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage – as the foundation for sustainable growth.

“Zimbabwe is blessed with unparalleled natural and cultural endowments. This event provides an opportunity to package our tourism products into strategic, social and innovative travel experiences for local, regional and international markets,” he said.

Drawing on statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the president noted that global tourism grew by 11 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. He said Zimbabwe must harness that global momentum by positioning itself as a competitive destination capable of attracting diverse markets.

“Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage lies in creating authentic experiences enriched with modern technology. Our people must receive visitors with smiles and ensure that the world continues to hear our own stories told in our own voices.”

The 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanai World Tourism Expo comes at a time when the country is seeking to diversify its economy and expand foreign currency earnings through tourism. His Excellency commended the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector for strengthening Zimbabwe’s global brand and building partnerships that have drawn increased interest from new markets, including Vietnam and several European countries.

President Mnangagwa also stressed that community-based tourism must remain at the centre of the sector’s development. He said initiatives must ensure that local communities benefit directly from international arrivals while cultural and natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

“The growth of our tourism industry must be inclusive. It is important that the men, women and young people who live near our heritage sites, our wildlife parks, and our cultural centres see tangible benefits from the global attention Zimbabwe is attracting,” he said.

The event is also being used to showcase Zimbabwe’s potential for investment in hospitality infrastructure, adventure tourism, and cultural products. According to the president, the expo exemplifies the country’s promise of expansion in primary economic development, job creation, and enterprise promotion.

“I am proud to see Zimbabwe continually elevated as one of the best destinations in Southern Africa and Africa at large. This recognition strengthens our economy and reminds us of the responsibility we have to sustain and grow our tourism sector for generations to come,” he said.

The programme of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanai World Tourism Expo 2025 includes investment conferences, cultural showcases, business networking sessions, and product exhibitions. Local entrepreneurs are showcasing traditional and modern tourism offerings alongside established operators, while international exhibitors are exploring partnerships to enhance Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global tourism map.

Tourism experts and stakeholders attending the event noted that the continued hosting of the expo reflects Zimbabwe’s determination to build resilience in the tourism sector, recover from global shocks, and deepen integration into the international tourism economy.

As the three-day event unfolds, attention will remain fixed on how Zimbabwe capitalises on this year’s edition to unlock opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, and to affirm its identity as a leading tourism destination in Africa.