Government has announced that 420 exhibitors, including 83 international companies from 20 countries, have confirmed participation at the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The event will run from September 10 to 12, 2025, in Mutare, Manicaland Province.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the upcoming edition would be historic as it marks the first time in the Expo’s 18-year history that it will be hosted outside Bulawayo.
“In keeping with the national devolution agenda, the 2025 edition will be the first in the Expo’s history to be hosted in Manicaland Province at the recently renovated Mutare Sports Club. This decision decentralises tourism benefits and strengthens the visibility and inclusivity of provincial tourism development,” said Dr Muswere.
The 2025 Expo will be held under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future.”
Preparations have been complemented by major infrastructure upgrades in the province.
The refurbishment of Grand Reef Airport, which had been idle since 1980, has already paved the way for the reintroduction of Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and Mutare.
Dr Muswere described this as a “game changer” not only for the Expo but also for long-term domestic and international tourism growth into the Eastern Highlands.
International participation will be robust, with companies drawn from across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Confirmed countries include Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, China, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
In addition to foreign participants, 12 local companies will directly engage with international buyers, exchanging knowledge, products and services to foster business linkages and investment opportunities.
A rich line-up of programmes has been scheduled to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism and cultural offerings.
These include road shows in Rusape, Nyazura, Chipembere, Riverside, Odzi, Mutare City, Zimunya, Dangamvura, Sakubva and Chikanga; a Tourism Investment Conference; a Welcome Reception for buyers, media and exhibitors; Buyers’ Night Life Tours; and the Tourism Scholastica Conference. The official opening ceremony will take place on September 10.
Dr Muswere said the Government is confident the 2025 edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani will position Manicaland as a key tourism hub while boosting investment opportunities in the wider Eastern Highlands region.
