Tungwarara’s economic diplomacy opens new chapter for Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions

Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions have received renewed momentum through the economic diplomacy of Dr Paul Tungwarara, whose facilitation of a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mohamed Alabbar has brought global attention to the country’s hospitality potential.

President Mnangagwa said Tungwarara arranged and coordinated the engagement with Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and a major international real-estate and hospitality entrepreneur. Following the meeting, Alabbar and his executive delegation are expected to visit Zimbabwe later in September to inspect possible sites and advance project details.

The proposed investment is centred on premium hospitality and luxury hotels. For Zimbabwe, that focus aligns with a clear national opportunity. The country has extraordinary tourism assets, but the expansion of high-quality accommodation, conference facilities and destination services remains essential if Zimbabwe is to attract more international visitors and extend their stays.

The U.S. International Trade Administration describes tourism as Zimbabwe’s third-largest economic sector after mining and agriculture. It recorded more than 1.6 million international arrivals in 2024, approximately $1.2 billion in tourism revenue and about $190 million in tourism investment.

Tungwarara’s contribution lies in making the connection between opportunity and investor possible. Economic diplomacy is not merely about arranging meetings. It requires an understanding of what investors are seeking, a clear presentation of national opportunities and persistent follow-through after the initial introduction.

The President said Tungwarara’s work was helping to drive economic diplomacy and bridge international partnerships. That role is especially valuable at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking investment capable of supporting tourism, real estate, agriculture, retail and related industries.

Alabbar’s official biography describes a business platform that includes more than 90 hotels, 21,000 hotel keys, 17 malls and a presence in more than 20 countries. His experience in integrated destinations could be relevant to Zimbabwe’s own ambition to connect hotels with retail, entertainment, conference and residential facilities.

The wider opportunity is not limited to major cities. Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Lake Kariba and Great Zimbabwe all present possibilities for tourism development that can spread economic activity across the country. Well-planned investments could benefit communities, small businesses and local professionals while strengthening Zimbabwe’s international brand.

The proposed projects remain subject to further evaluation, and no final investment value or construction timetable has been publicly announced. That makes the forthcoming site visit important. It will provide an opportunity to assess locations, infrastructure requirements, environmental considerations and opportunities for Zimbabwean participation.

Tungwarara’s role has helped move the conversation from general investment promotion to a specific engagement with a globally recognised entrepreneur. As the process continues, his economic diplomacy could help ensure that Zimbabwe’s tourism story is presented with confidence, ambition and a clear focus on inclusive national development.