The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbra Rwodzi, has been named the 2026 Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday.
The award, presented during the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum, followed a public voting process involving participants from across Africa and beyond.
Kenya’s Minister of Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, was named first runner-up, followed by Kenya’s Minister of East African Affairs, Beatrice Askul, while Uganda’s Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, took third place.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Winpeg Moyo, received the award on Minister Rwodzi’s behalf, accompanied by Tourism Permanent Secretary, Takaruza Munyanyiwa and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer, George Manyaya.
In her acceptance remarks, Rwodzi said the recognition reflected Zimbabwe’s efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, investment and employment creation.
She highlighted the country’s 13-cluster tourism development model, which seeks to diversify the sector beyond traditional wildlife and nature-based attractions to include cultural heritage, religious, sports and gastronomy tourism.
The minister also cited initiatives to improve destination competitiveness, including reduced tourism levies, electronic visas and the introduction of e-gates to facilitate visitor movement.
She noted that Victoria Falls recorded more than 1,2 million travellers in 2025, representing a 7,8% increase, demonstrating the destination’s continued appeal.
Ambassador Moyo added that the recognition reflected Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to making tourism a key pillar of economic transformation and national development.
She acknowledged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership in placing tourism at the centre of the country’s development agenda, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.
Ambassador Moyo also recognised the contribution of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in promoting Zimbabwe’s heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy.
The award comes as Government intensifies efforts to unlock the sector’s potential through the Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda, which seeks to leverage the country’s diverse attractions, attract investment, create employment and increase tourism’s contribution to the economy.
The latest recognition adds to Rwodzi’s previous accolades, including being named Zimbabwe’s Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister for 2025.
