Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo 2026
Preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo are gathering momentum in Masvingo, with government officials expressing confidence that the event will leave a lasting legacy of infrastructure development, investment opportunities and tourism growth in Zimbabwe’s oldest city.
The annual tourism showcase, regarded as Zimbabwe’s premier tourism business event, is set to take place from 9 to 12 September 2026, following a Sports Tourism Carnival scheduled for 1 to 4 September and a Street Carnival on 5 September.
This year’s edition is being held under the Government’s devolution agenda, which seeks to spread economic opportunities and development beyond major urban centres.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, accompanied by Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, recently toured key venues and infrastructure projects linked to the expo, including the Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of preparedness as Masvingo prepares to welcome hundreds of tourism professionals, investors, buyers and exhibitors from around the world.
Sanganai’s role in Zimbabwe tourism
For nearly two decades, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo has served as Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism marketing platform, bringing together tourism operators, travel buyers, airlines, investors, hospitality companies and destination marketers.
The expo has evolved into one of Africa’s recognised tourism trade fairs, providing a marketplace where local tourism businesses can engage directly with international buyers and investors.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has adopted a strategy of rotating the event across different provinces. The move aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s development agenda.
Government officials say the decentralisation of the expo is designed to stimulate local economies, improve tourism infrastructure and expose lesser-known destinations to global tourism markets.
For Masvingo, the hosting rights present a major opportunity to showcase the province’s tourism potential beyond its most famous attraction, Great Zimbabwe.
Gymkhana Tourism Park nearing completion
One of the most visible developments ahead of the expo is the transformation of the Gymkhana Tourism Park.
Officials reported that construction and refurbishment works at the facility are now approximately 80% complete.
Once completed, the park will feature a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini-stadium designed to host tourism and entertainment activities.
Plans are also in place to develop a conference centre after the expo, creating a permanent venue capable of hosting large-scale meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
Authorities believe the investment will strengthen Masvingo’s position as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination, a tourism segment that Zimbabwe has identified as a key growth area.
Infrastructure upgrades to outlive the expo
Beyond the exhibition grounds, several infrastructure projects are being undertaken to improve accessibility and visitor experience.
The refurbishment of Masvingo Airport, alongside road rehabilitation and upgrades around the expo venues, is expected to improve connectivity for visitors arriving from different parts of Zimbabwe and abroad.
Officials say the improvements are not solely intended for the tourism expo but are part of a broader effort to create infrastructure that will continue benefiting the province long after the event concludes.
Such investments are increasingly viewed as essential as Zimbabwe seeks to attract higher-spending tourists and position itself as a competitive destination within Southern Africa.
Strong international interest for Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo 2026
Early registration figures suggest growing interest in this year’s expo.
According to organisers, 270 exhibitors have already registered, while total participation is expected to reach around 450 exhibitors by the time the event begins.
Current registrations include 129 international buyers and 44 local buyers, with numbers continuing to increase as the event approaches.
The participation of international buyers is particularly important because it creates opportunities for Zimbabwean tourism businesses to secure contracts and partnerships that can translate into future visitor arrivals.
A notable development this year is the participation of Australia for the first time in the history of the expo, following Zimbabwe’s recent tourism marketing efforts in that country.
Officials also pointed to growing tourist arrivals from India after destinations in the Eastern Highlands were promoted during previous editions of the expo, highlighting the event’s role in opening new source markets.
Great Zimbabwe takes centre stage
One of the defining features of the 2026 edition will be its close connection to Great Zimbabwe, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that gave the country its name.
The historic monument, which remains one of Africa’s most significant archaeological sites, will provide a unique backdrop for the event.
The Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre has been selected to host the welcome cocktail reception, allowing international delegates and tourism professionals to experience one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic attractions firsthand.
Tourism stakeholders believe this exposure could boost visitor interest in Masvingo and encourage greater investment in heritage tourism.
The province is home to a range of attractions including Lake Mutirikwi, Kyle Recreational Park, Gonarezhou National Park, cultural heritage sites and emerging community-based tourism initiatives.
Investment opportunities in Masvingo
Minister Rwodzi said the expo presents an opportunity to unlock tourism-related investment in the province.
She highlighted Masvingo’s strategic location along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor, a major transport and trade route linking several African countries.
According to the minister, there is significant potential for investment in five-star hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, lodges and tourism support services.
Industry experts have long argued that while Masvingo enjoys strong heritage tourism appeal, additional accommodation capacity and hospitality infrastructure could help the province attract larger conferences and international events.
The expo is expected to provide a platform for investors to assess these opportunities firsthand.
A whole-of-government approach
The preparations have brought together multiple government departments and stakeholders in what officials describe as a whole-of-government approach.
Also present during the inspection tour were Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, representatives from Masvingo City Council and other key stakeholders.
Their involvement reflects the growing recognition that tourism development extends beyond the tourism sector itself and depends on coordinated investment in transport, infrastructure, heritage conservation and local enterprise development.
Looking ahead
As the countdown to September continues, expectations are rising that Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026 will be more than just a tourism exhibition.
For Masvingo, the event represents an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, attract new investment and strengthen its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading tourism destinations.
For Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, it offers another chance to engage global markets, expand international partnerships and demonstrate how tourism can contribute to inclusive economic growth.
With Great Zimbabwe providing a world-class backdrop and infrastructure projects taking shape across the city, organisers are hoping the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will leave a legacy that extends well beyond four days of exhibitions and networking.