Minister Rwodzi Hails Cook-Out Competition As Tourism Game Changer

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, highlighted the importance of the Amai’s Traditional Cook-Out Competition in promoting gastronomy tourism at a recent event.

The competition continues to serve as an inclusive platform, promoting participation across all sectors of society while advancing gastronomy tourism.

Launched in 2019 by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the competition provides a platform for people from all walks of life to showcase their culinary skills.

Hon. Rwodzi noted that the initiative has been instrumental in positioning Zimbabwe as a unique food storytelling destination.

“As a flagship initiative launched in 2019 by Her Excellency, the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the programme plays a pivotal role in positioning Zimbabwe as a unique food storytelling destination,” she said.

With tourism contributing 10% to Zimbabwe’s GDP in 2025, gastronomy tourism is emerging as a key driver of economic growth.

“With tourism contributing 10% to Zimbabwe’s GDP in 2025, gastronomy tourism has emerged as a key pillar of economic growth,” Hon. Rwodzi emphasised.

The event is anchored on the vision of “leaving no one and no place behind,” promoting participation across all sectors of society.

Hon. Rwodzi emphasised that the competition is empowering communities, creating income-generating opportunities, and transforming livelihoods.

“Anchored on the vision of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’, the initiative is empowering communities, creating income-generating opportunities, and transforming livelihoods,” she said.

Hon. Rwodzi also pointed out that many past participants have gone on to establish successful businesses and are now contributing to the culinary sector as professionals and educators.