UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit
Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a prime destination for tourism investment at the inaugural UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, which opened this week in Dubai under the theme “Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda.”
Led by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwean delegation includes officials from the Ministry, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company, and the Zimbabwe–UAE Embassy.
The team is showcasing the country’s vast tourism investment opportunities, sustainable development initiatives, and renewed drive to attract global investors.
The participation comes shortly after Forbes Magazine named Zimbabwe as the World’s Number One Destination to Visit in 2025, a recognition that underscores the country’s growing international appeal and investor confidence.
A Strategic Platform for Africa’s Tourism Growth
The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit brings together more than 350 delegates from 20 African countries and the United Arab Emirates.
Attendees include government ministers, investors, and private sector leaders who are exploring transformative partnerships to boost Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Organised by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with The Bench, the summit is part of the broader Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) series.
It serves as a platform for high-level dialogue on tourism development, infrastructure investment, and sustainable growth across the African continent.
Discussions focus on how strategic investments can unlock the full potential of Africa’s tourism industry — from eco-tourism and hospitality projects to transportation and cultural experiences.
With the UAE having invested over $110 billion in Africa since 2019, the summit reinforces its growing role as a key partner in the continent’s economic transformation.
Zimbabwe’s Vision for Tourism-Led Growth
During a Ministerial Roundtable chaired by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa presented Zimbabwe’s Tourism Cluster Approach, which promotes collaboration between sectors such as transport, culture, energy, and agriculture to drive tourism-led economic growth.
The approach is central to Zimbabwe’s National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to position tourism as a key driver of job creation, investment, and community empowerment.
By highlighting flagship projects like the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone and the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Conference Centre, Zimbabwe is inviting global partners to participate in its expanding tourism economy.
The goal is to build a tourism ecosystem that attracts investment while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity.
Zimbabwe offers an unmatched natural and cultural heritage, and this summit provides the right platform to engage investors who share the country’s vision.
Strengthening UAE–Africa Cooperation
The summit marks a significant step in deepening ties between Africa and the UAE. Beyond tourism, it signals growing collaboration in infrastructure, technology, and green development.
The UAE’s strategic role as a global investment hub makes it an ideal bridge for channelling capital into Africa’s fast-growing tourism markets.
African ministers and industry leaders are using the summit to present investment-ready projects and share insights on improving connectivity, promoting regional tourism, and leveraging digital technologies for destination marketing.
For the UAE, the event aligns with its broader vision to expand global partnerships and strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable tourism and hospitality investment.
Zimbabwe’s Rising Global Appeal
Zimbabwe’s recognition by Forbes as the top destination to visit in 2025 has placed the country firmly on the international tourism map.
With attractions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe, and the Eastern Highlands, the country is regarded as one of Africa’s most diverse and scenic destinations.
In addition to its natural beauty, Zimbabwe is increasingly focusing on sustainable tourism — promoting eco-friendly lodges, conservation initiatives, and community-based projects that empower local populations while preserving the environment.
UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit: Looking Ahead
As the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 continues in Dubai, expectations are high that the event will yield tangible outcomes — including new partnerships, memoranda of understanding, and project financing agreements.
For Zimbabwe, the summit offers more than just exposure; it represents an opportunity to convert global attention into concrete investments that can accelerate infrastructure development, enhance connectivity, and create jobs.
With growing global recognition, strategic leadership, and a renewed commitment to sustainability, Zimbabwe is stepping into 2025 with confidence — ready to turn its tourism potential into a powerful engine for inclusive economic growth.