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Presidential Affairs

President ED Showcases Manicaland’s Hidden Gems

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 President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on Wednesday officially opened the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare, marking the first time the flagship trade showcase has been hosted outside Bulawayo.

 

The event, running under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development: Our Future,” reflects government’s Devolution Policy and aims to spotlight the Eastern Highlands as a premier tourism destination.

 

“This Tourism Expo is where culture meets commerce, nature meets innovation, and where Zimbabwe positions itself as a premier tourism destination,” President Mnangagwa said.

 

He emphasised that Zimbabwe’s tourism sector contributed 15% to GDP in 2024, citing the growth of rural, eco, and community-based tourism initiatives that balance economic opportunities with environmental and cultural preservation.

 

The President also hailed the Expo’s role in driving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE)tourism, describing it as proof of Zimbabwe’s ability to host world-class events.

 

The relocation to Manicaland has shone a spotlight on the province’s natural beauty. “Nyanga’s misty mountains, Vumba’s lush forests, and Chimanimani’s dramatic landscapes have long been Zimbabwe’s hidden gems, which are now being unveiled to the world,” Mnangagwa said.

 

More than 20 international tourism companies, along with SMEs and youth innovators, are participating in this year’s Expo. The President urged them to seize opportunities to develop market-driven products that draw on Zimbabwe’s heritage and natural environment.

 

“The success of the Expo will be measured by contracts signed, itineraries launched, investments secured, jobs created and stories shared long after the Expo ends,” he said.

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, hails the Expo for boosting the province’s tourism profile to 'Cloud 9

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, hails the Expo for boosting the province’s tourism profile to ‘Cloud 9

 

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,  Misheck Mugadza, said the Expo had elevated the province’s tourism profile to “Cloud 9.”

 

“The pressure we have is to keep up the momentum. With the whole-of-government approach under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, we are confident that facilities will continue to grow and improve,” Mugadza said.

 

He noted growing interest in transport infrastructure, saying: “Everyone loves the plane, everyone loves to use the train. The indications are positive, and that shows the strides we have made.”

 

The Expo continues through the week, with government and stakeholders expressing confidence it will cement Zimbabwe’s status as one of Southern Africa’s leading tourism destinations.

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Presidential Affairs

Zimbabwe Strengthens Global Tourism Ties Following High-Level UN Visit

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to growing its tourism sector after hosting Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, in Harare.

Speaking after the meeting, President Mnangagwa described the visit as a great honour, highlighting its significance for both Zimbabwe and the global tourism community.

Ms. Al Nowais’ appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.

The discussions focused on strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a leading global tourism destination. President Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s vast potential, from its natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage, noting that tourism remains a key pillar for economic growth.

“We discussed enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing as a premier global destination and harnessing sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” said the President.

Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that growth in the sector benefits local communities while preserving the environment.

Collaboration with UN Tourism is expected to play a critical role in achieving these goals through international partnerships, investment opportunities, and global marketing initiatives.

President Mnangagwa also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with international stakeholders to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique appeal.

“Zimbabwe remains committed to collaborating closely with UN Tourism to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our nation to the world,” he added.

The visit by Ms. Al Nowais is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global tourism map, while also aligning the country with international best practices in sustainable tourism development.

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Presidential Affairs

Zim, Botswana Push Economic Agenda

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko pose for a photo after the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission in Harare.

Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations following the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.

President Mnangagwa said the high-level meeting with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko marks a shift toward stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The outcomes of this Session are both instructive and forward-looking. They demonstrate our shared resolve to transform our longstanding political relations into a more dynamic, results-driven economic partnership,” he said.

The Zimbabwean leader emphasized that agreements signed at the BNC must now deliver tangible results, particularly in trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“The agreements… must now serve as instruments for accelerated trade, enhanced investment flows, industrial collaboration and sustainable development,” he added.

Key priorities include the operationalisation of the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post, removal of non-tariff barriers and expansion of cross-border infrastructure to improve trade efficiency.

Earlier, President Boko highlighted the deep historical ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the relationship as a foundation for shared prosperity.

“These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that the Bi-National Commission remains a critical platform for cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, health and security.

The two leaders agreed that regional cooperation within SADC is essential in addressing global economic challenges, improving trade flows and boosting investment.

With increased focus on implementation, private sector participation and infrastructure development, the Zimbabwe-Botswana partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa.

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Presidential Affairs

Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action

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Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.
Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

 

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

 

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

 

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

 

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

 

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

ALSO READ: President’s Cup Golf Tournament: A Beacon of Unity and Progress in Zimbabwean Sport

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