Sanganai/Hlanganani devolved to Masvingo, as Zim pushes tourism‑led devolution and infrastructure legacy

MASVINGO - Preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo are in full swing in Masvingo, with Government positioning the devolved model as a driver of tourism infrastructure development, destination diversification and inclusive economic growth under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi and Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira toured Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre to assess readiness ahead of the event.

"Leaving no one and no place behind remains the anchor of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Devolution Agenda. Taking Sanganai to different provinces ensures spread effects and unlocks investment pipelines across accommodation, MICE, gastronomy and experiential tourism," Minister Rwodzi said.

Works at Gymkhana Tourism Park are now 80 percent complete. The mixed‑use precinct will include a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini‑stadium. A conference centre is planned as a post‑expo legacy asset to strengthen Masvingo’s capacity to host MICE tourism and major events. Refurbishments at Masvingo Airport, road upgrades and site works are expected to improve airlift, accessibility and last‑mile connectivity, leaving durable infrastructure for the province.

The Expo calendar begins with the September Sports Tourism Carnival from 1 to 4 September, followed by a street carnival on 5 September, ahead of the main B2B and B2C trade show from 9 to 12 September 2026. Great Zimbabwe will provide a distinctive heritage backdrop, with the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre hosting the welcome cocktail for international buyers and tour operators.

So far, 270 exhibitors have registered, with 450 expected. Buyer registrations stand at 129 international and 44 domestic, with hosted buyer programmes still underway. Australia will participate for the first time following Zimbabwe’s source market roadshow, while Indian arrivals to destinations showcased at the last Eastern Highlands edition continue to grow.

Minister Rwodzi said Masvingo’s location along the Cape‑to‑Cairo tourism corridor presents opportunities for five‑star accommodation, lodges, conference facilities and new tourism products to enhance the province’s carrying capacity.

Also present were deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa, Tourism permanent secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Masvingo permanent secretary Mr Pazvakavambwa, Masvingo City Council and industry stakeholders, reflecting a whole‑of‑government approach aimed at maximising yield, length of stay and community beneficiation. This development contributes to wider discussions around tourism‑led devolution and destination infrastructure investment.