HARARE — Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Babra Rwodzi, has defended the government’s decision to relocate the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo from Bulawayo to Manicaland Province, stressing that the move is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s broader devolution agenda.
For 17 consecutive years, the internationally recognised tourism showcase was hosted in Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city. This year, however, the spotlight has shifted east to Mutare, the capital of Manicaland Province. According to Rwodzi, the relocation signals a new chapter for the expo and reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all regions share equally in national development opportunities.
“We have found it important for the 18th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi to be held in Mutare after being hosted in Bulawayo for 17 years. This is a historic moment in the life of the Expo, and it aligns directly with the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” Rwodzi told reporters during a press briefing on Manicaland’s preparedness.
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Rwodzi emphasised that the relocation is not simply about changing venues but about deepening Zimbabwe’s devolution framework, which seeks to empower provinces to take greater control over their own economic destinies. By spreading major events across different regions, she said, the government is deliberately stimulating local economies and giving communities outside the major cities an opportunity to benefit from international exposure.
“The Expo is not just for exhibitors and buyers, but for all stakeholders, including local communities. It is important that everyone is given the chance to participate in a way that strengthens cultural inclusivity, economic activity, and tourism development,” she said.
Rwodzi also confirmed that Masvingo will host the Expo in 2026, reinforcing the government’s plan to rotate the showcase across all provinces.
In addition to the change in location, this year’s edition has also undergone a symbolic rebranding. The Expo, historically known as Sanganai/Hlanganani to reflect Zimbabwe’s two major languages, Shona and Ndebele, has been renamed Sanganai/Kumbanayi. The new name incorporates the Manyika dialect spoken predominantly in Manicaland.
“The renaming is very intentional,” Rwodzi explained. “The word ‘Kumbanayi’ underscores the theme of ‘meeting or gathering’ and is a call to ‘join in’ within the local Manyika context. Next year, when the Expo moves to Masvingo, it will adopt a name reflecting the main language spoken there. This rotational naming system is about unity, participation, and cultural inclusivity.”
Observers say the linguistic adjustments highlight the Expo’s effort to build a more inclusive identity while simultaneously celebrating Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
Hosting the Expo in Mutare is also seen as a major opportunity to showcase Manicaland’s tourism potential. The province, which borders Mozambique, is home to scenic attractions such as the Vumba Mountains, Chimanimani, and Nyanga National Park. These areas are already popular among domestic tourists but remain underexposed on the international stage.
According to Rwodzi, the government expects the relocation to unlock new tourism investment opportunities in the eastern province. Local hotels, lodges, transport operators, and craft businesses are already preparing to take advantage of the expected influx of international visitors.
“The Expo is an opportunity for Manicaland to market itself as a premium tourism destination. It will also bring immediate economic benefits to local businesses while setting the foundation for long-term investment in the province,” she noted.
The Minister further highlighted that the event forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to position itself as a competitive player in the global tourism market. The Expo, regarded as one of Africa’s leading tourism trade fairs, attracts international buyers, investors, and exhibitors, providing a critical platform for business-to-business engagement.
With the tourism sector viewed as a key pillar of the country’s Vision 2030 agenda, the government hopes that hosting the Expo outside Bulawayo for the first time will demonstrate Zimbabwe’s seriousness about decentralising development while simultaneously boosting its international image.
Rwodzi’s remarks were echoed by senior officials from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), who said the decision to rotate hosting provinces would create new networks and opportunities across the country.
For communities in Manicaland, anticipation is already high. Local leaders have described the government’s decision as a “game changer” that could help rebuild confidence in the province, which has in recent years faced economic challenges and the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.
Rwodzi concluded her address by reiterating that the Expo’s new format embodies Zimbabwe’s devolution policy, cultural inclusivity, and determination to spread economic activity beyond traditional centres of power.
“This is a collective national event. It belongs to all Zimbabweans, and by rotating it across the provinces, we are making sure every region has its moment to shine,” she said.
Source- Bulawayo24
