The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, continues to position Tourism as a strategic driver of Investment and Economic Transformation through Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 1 (2021–2025) and the ongoing National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030). Anchored on the Foreign Policy of Engagement and Re-engagement, guided by the principles of “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” and “Zimbabwe A Friend to All and an Enemy to None,” Government continues to create an enabling environment for Investment and Economic participation.
Officiating at the Zimbabwe Diaspora Tourism Investment Forum in Dallas, Texas, United States of America, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, called on Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to transform remittances into Economic Investments back home, particularly within the Tourism Sector, a low-hanging and high-impact sector with immense potential to create employment, stimulate enterprise development and drive sustainable Economic Growth. She noted that while remittances continue to provide critical support to Zimbabwe’s economy, increased Investment into Tourism enterprises, Hospitality infrastructure and destination development will unlock new opportunities across the Tourism value chain. The Minister highlighted that the United States-based Diaspora contributes approximately 12% of remittance inflows into Zimbabwe, underscoring its strategic role in supporting National development. She highlighted that Zimbabwe recorded an 8.3% economic growth in 2025, driven by Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing and Tourism, with the Tourism Sector offering diverse Investment opportunities across Culture and Heritage, Gastronomy, Sports, Religious, Rural and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism. She further outlined opportunities within Special Economic Zones including Masuwe, the 271-hectare Jafuta Special Economic Zone, Tugwi-Mukosi, the Eastern Highlands, Kanyemba, Kunzvi and Gwayi-Shangani, which provide platforms for investors to participate in destination development and infrastructure growth.
The Ambassador of Zimbabwe to the United States of America, His Excellency David Hamadziripi, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the Zimbabwean Diaspora in advancing National development. Presentations by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority showcased Zimbabwe’s competitive Investment opportunities across the Tourism value chain. Minister Rwodzi further noted that the United States remains Zimbabwe’s largest International source market, making continued engagement with the Diaspora critical to increasing Tourist arrivals, expanding destination marketing and attracting Investment into the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The Minister commended the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for championing Gastronomy Tourism through the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Programme, which has transformed Zimbabwe’s indigenous cuisine into a unique Tourism product that preserves Cultural Heritage, creates livelihoods and advances Rural Industrialization. She said the initiative continues to gain international recognition while strengthening Destination Zimbabwe’s global appeal. The Minister also highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing international profile, having been recognised by Forbes among the World’s Best Destinations to Visit, featured by Condé Nast Traveler, and honoured with the PATWA Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders Award, reinforcing the country’s competitiveness as a Tourism and Investment destination. The forum concluded with delegates enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring authentic Zimbabwean cuisine, providing the Diaspora with a memorable gastronomic experience
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