Zimbabwe Hosts Africa Footgolf Open
Zimbabwe has made history on the continental stage by becoming the first African nation to host the Africa Footgolf Open Championship, held at the iconic Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
The landmark event, which welcomed more than 70 athletes from Africa and Europe, has positioned the country as one of the fastest-rising Sports Tourism destinations on the continent.
Officials say Zimbabwe will continue to build on this momentum, with the nation set to host the next four editions of the championship.
Organisers expect the 2026 tournament to attract nearly 200 participants and their families. The anticipated surge will further boost local tourism ahead of Zimbabwe’s co-hosting of the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup with Namibia.
A Growing Sport Gains Ground in Africa
Footgolf, a hybrid sport that blends the precision of golf with the techniques of football, has been gathering a global following since its establishment in the early 2000s.
Players navigate a standard golf course, aiming to kick a football into oversized cups in as few shots as possible.
The Africa Footgolf Open at Victoria Falls marks a significant step in the sport’s expansion on the continent, with Zimbabwe emerging as a key regional hub for Footgolf development.
Local sporting associations say participation in the discipline has risen sharply, particularly among young athletes drawn to its accessibility, low equipment cost and social nature.
Elephant Hills: A Venue Designed for Sporting Excellence
The championship was held at Elephant Hills Resort, a prominent hotel and golf venue overlooking the Zambezi River and located just a few kilometres from the Victoria Falls Rainforest.
The property, originally designed by renowned architect Karl Jooste, features an 18-hole golf course that has hosted international tournaments for decades.
Its expansive greens, wildlife-rich surroundings and proximity to one of the world’s natural wonders make it a preferred destination for global sporting events.
Organisers said the course layout was adapted to meet Footgolf standards, offering challenging fairways and scenic vantage points that gave players a unique competitive atmosphere not found elsewhere on the continent.
Economic Gains Already Visible
Authorities report that the event has brought clear economic benefits to Zimbabwe’s tourism capital.
Hotels and lodges around Victoria Falls recorded higher occupancy rates, while restaurants saw increased demand for Zimbabwean cuisine.
Tour operators also reported strong activity in adventure tourism, from helicopter flights over the falls and white-water rafting on the Zambezi, to game drives and sunset cruises.
Local businesses say the championship came at an ideal time, helping sustain visitor arrivals during the early festive season.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, who officiated the opening ceremony, described the event as a powerful demonstration of Zimbabwe’s Sports Tourism potential.
He praised organisers and international partners for successfully bringing the tournament to Victoria Falls, emphasising that sport is now a strategic pillar for economic growth, youth participation and international brand positioning.
A Nation on the Rise
The milestone follows international recognition of Zimbabwe’s tourism appeal, with Forbes Magazine recently listing the country as the Number One Destination to Visit in 2025.
Officials say hosting the Africa Footgolf Open forms part of a broader national strategy under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, both of which prioritise tourism diversification and increased global visibility.
With its expanding portfolio of world-class sporting events and the unique fusion of sport, culture and adventure offered by destinations like Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is shaping itself into a leading Sports Tourism powerhouse.
As global interest grows, stakeholders believe the Africa Footgolf Open will become one of the country’s signature annual events, showcasing Zimbabwe’s landscapes, hospitality and sporting ambition to the world.