Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
MASVINGO — Masvingo is seeking to turn the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo into more than a four-day tourism showcase, with new infrastructure, international buyers and a string of sporting and cultural events expected to drive investment and economic activity in the province.
The expo, running from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, is preceded by a Sports Tourism Carnival from September 1 to 4 and a Street Carnival on September 5, as the Government seeks to create a broader tourism experience around the event.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the devolved expo was part of the Government’s drive to spread tourism infrastructure, investment, and economic opportunities across the country, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s devolution agenda of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
“The decision to devolve Sanganai to different cities aligns with Vision 2030 and the economic transformation thrust under NDS2, ensuring the Tourism Expo drives Tourism Infrastructure, Investment and economic opportunities across provinces,” the Ministry said.
Preparations received a major boost this week as the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, together with Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, toured the Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre to assess progress.
Works at the Gymkhana Tourism Park are now about 80 percent complete.
The facility is set to include a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini-stadium, while a conference centre is planned as a future development after Sanganai.
The Ministry also said the infrastructure would enhance Masvingo’s ability to host major tourism and events activities beyond the expo.
The refurbishment of Masvingo Airport, road improvements and upgrades to the expo site are also expected to strengthen connectivity while leaving infrastructure that can continue supporting tourism after the event.
The economic potential of the expo is already reflected in the level of participation, with 270 exhibitors registered out of an expected 450.
There are also 129 international buyers and 44 local buyers registered, with participation continuing to build ahead of the event.
The Ministry said the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre would host the welcome cocktail, allowing international tourism players to experience the province’s heritage while connecting with local tourism operators.
Minister Rwodzi also highlighted Masvingo’s strategic position along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor and the opportunity to attract investment into five-star accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants, lodges and other tourism products.
The international component of the expo is also expanding, with Australia participating in Sanganai for the first time following Zimbabwe’s tourism roadshow.
The Ministry also pointed to increased Indian tourist arrivals to destinations showcased during the previous expo in the Eastern Highlands as evidence of the potential for international market exposure to translate into increased tourist flows.
The Government is also using sport, gastronomy, music and culture to widen the economic footprint of the event.
The Sports Tourism Carnival will feature 11 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, golf, cricket, netball, boxing, volleyball, rugby, pool and marathon activities.
The Ministry said the sporting programme was designed to turn sport into a strategic platform for travel, destination visibility, wellness and community participation.
“Beyond competition, Sports Tourism will stimulate Tourist expenditure, support Tourism businesses, create income opportunities and contribute to the growth of the economy,” the Ministry said.
The Street Carnival on September 5 will then bring together gastronomy, music and cultural experiences ahead of the main expo.
According to the Ministry, connecting sports tourism, gastronomy, music, heritage, MICE tourism and the wider tourism business is intended to extend tourist stays and create greater opportunities for communities and tourism enterprises to benefit from increased visitor activity.
Masvingo’s iconic Great Zimbabwe will provide the heritage backdrop to the event, allowing international and domestic visitors to experience one of Zimbabwe’s major tourism attractions while exploring other tourism products in the province.
The Ministry said Masvingo was “not simply hosting an Expo” but showcasing how devolved tourism development could transform a major event into a platform for destination marketing, investment attraction and sustainable economic participation.
The approach also brings together national Government, provincial authorities, local government and tourism industry stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Pazvakavambwa, representatives from Masvingo City Council and other stakeholders were also involved in preparations.
With infrastructure development taking place alongside the expo and international participation increasing, Masvingo is seeking to ensure the benefits of Sanganai continue long after the final exhibition closes.
The 2026 edition could therefore provide an important test of the devolved tourism expo model: whether a major event can translate into lasting infrastructure, investment, tourist spending and opportunities for local communities.
