Zimbabwe tourism draws $132 million in investment in first half of 2026

Zimbabwe attracted $132.3 million in tourism investment in the first half of 2026, a 229% increase from $40.2 million recorded during the same period last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said. 

The sharp rise comes as the government seeks to strengthen tourism as a source of economic growth while encouraging investment beyond established destinations such as Victoria Falls and the country’s major wildlife areas. 

Speaking at the opening of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said the increase reflected stronger investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. 

“Investor confidence remains high,” he said, referring to the rise in investment between the first halves of 2025 and 2026.

Zimbabwe seeks wider tourism investment 

The additional $92.1 million invested in the sector comes as the government advances its National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030 goals, which include attracting investment, modernizing infrastructure and expanding economic activity. 

Mnangagwa said tourism had continued to grow despite challenges facing the global industry. He called on businesses and government agencies to ensure that higher investment leads to visible benefits for communities. 

“The momentum generated by this event must translate into lasting tourism infrastructure, investment, product development and ultimately an improvement in the quality of life for our people,” he said. 

The government is also looking to develop tourism attractions outside the country’s best-known destinations. Masvingo, for example, has opportunities linked to Great Zimbabwe, Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi-Mukosi, Manyuchi Dam and Gonarezhou. 

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s tourism appeal extends beyond its natural attractions. The country’s history, culture, indigenous knowledge, music, cuisine, arts and heritage could help create new products for both domestic and international visitors.

Government targets new tourism products 

The president also called for obstacles that delay the development of new tourism products to be removed and for travel procedures to be made easier as Zimbabwe pursues an open-skies policy. 

He urged private-sector companies, development partners and local communities to work with the government on sustainable tourism projects and the use of emerging technologies. 

The latest investment figures give Zimbabwe’s tourism industry a stronger base for expansion, but the next test will be how quickly the new capital translates into hotels, attractions, transport infrastructure, jobs and opportunities for local businesses. 

For Zimbabwe, the broader goal is to ensure that tourism investment reaches communities across the country rather than remaining concentrated around a handful of established destinations.