Masvingo Province has begun early preparations to host the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo scheduled for September 2026.
Speaking during a provincial engagement on development priorities last Friday, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira, said the early start was deliberate and aimed at guaranteeing broad-based participation and a well-coordinated hosting process for the country’s flagship tourism exhibition.
“We have started our preparations early because hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani is not a small task. It requires planning, coordination and inclusivity. As Masvingo Province, we want to make sure that when September 2026 comes, we are fully ready to host the world,” he said.
Chadzamira said the province was keen to use the expo as a platform to market Masvingo’s diverse tourism offerings, including its cultural heritage, wildlife, natural landscapes and investment opportunities.
“Masvingo is home to world-renowned heritage sites, and this expo gives us an opportunity to tell our story to the global community. We want investors, tour operators and visitors to see the full potential that exists in this province,” he said.
He stressed that preparations would involve multiple stakeholders drawn from both the public and private sectors, as well as local communities.
“Our approach is inclusive. We are engaging local authorities, traditional leaders, the private sector, small and medium enterprises and community players so that everyone participates and benefits. Sanganai/Hlanganani must uplift local communities and leave a lasting legacy beyond the event itself,” Chadzamira said.
The minister added that hosting the expo would align with the Government’s devolution agenda, which seeks to promote balanced development across provinces.
“This event speaks directly to devolution. It allows Masvingo Province to take the lead in driving tourism-led development while working closely with national institutions. We see this as an opportunity to create jobs, improve infrastructure and stimulate economic activity,” he said.
Chadzamira said the province would also work closely with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and other relevant agencies to ensure international standards are met.
“We want a world-class event that reflects positively on Masvingo and on Zimbabwe as a whole. Our message is clear: Masvingo is ready to host, and Masvingo is open for tourism and investment,” he said.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s premier tourism showcase, bringing together local and international exhibitors, buyers and tourism stakeholders to promote destination Zimbabwe on the global market.
