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Zimbabwe Courts Investors for New Convention Centres to Unlock MICE Tourism Growth Zimbabwe Courts Investors for New Convention Centres to Unlock MICE Tourism Growth

Zimbabwe is setting the stage for a MICE tourism renaissance, with the government announcing plans to actively engage local and international investors to develop new convention centres across the country. This strategic move is designed to propel the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment—widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising but underutilised tourism sectors—by addressing the chronic lack of modern venues and accommodation outside traditional event hubs.

Currently, major conferences and exhibitions in Zimbabwe are concentrated at a handful of venues: the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds, Harare Agricultural Showgrounds, Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), and Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls. This narrow focus has stifled tourism growth in other regions, even as the country boasts a wealth of attractions that could benefit from increased visitor flows and business events.

Recognising this bottleneck, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube placed infrastructure development for tourism at the heart of his 2026 national budget proposals. He emphasised that investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly convention centres and accommodation facilities, is a catalyst for sector growth. “Developing infrastructure that supports Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) presents a low hanging opportunity to accelerate growth within the tourism industry,” Ncube noted, underlining the urgency of the initiative.

The government’s strategy for 2026 includes proactive engagement with both domestic and international investors to unlock a wave of new hospitality sector projects. To make convention centre development more attractive, authorities are exploring the possibility of granting prescribed asset status to such investments. This would enable Zimbabwe to host mega conference events and position the country as a compelling destination for regional and international meetings.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen the enabling environment for tourism development through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and targeted foreign direct investment (FDI). The government’s vision is exemplified by flagship projects like the Masuwe Project in Victoria Falls, which is shaping up as a model for future Special Economic Zones tailored to the tourism sector. These initiatives are expected to diversify the country’s tourism offering, distribute economic benefits more widely, and catalyse new business opportunities across the value chain.

To maximise the impact of these investments, Minister Ncube stressed the importance of robust, evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning. Central to this approach is the review and operationalisation of the Tourism Satellite Accounting System (TSA), a vital tool for accurately measuring the sector’s size and economic contribution. The TSA will be supported by enhanced statistical data collection and analysis, including the implementation of the Tourism Industry Management System (TIMS), which will facilitate online registration of tourism operators and integration with the Online Border Management System (OBMS). These digital upgrades are designed to improve real-time data accuracy and support smarter decision-making at both policy and business levels.

Additionally, the government will conduct Development of Tourism Surveys (DOTs) and Visitor Exit Surveys (VES) to further enrich the data landscape, giving stakeholders a deeper understanding of market trends and visitor preferences. This comprehensive data-driven approach will empower both public authorities and private investors to identify new opportunities, refine marketing strategies, and optimise resource allocation.

For the African travel trade, Zimbabwe’s intensified focus on MICE tourism infrastructure and data-driven management opens up new avenues for cross-border collaboration, investment, and product development. Improved event facilities will not only attract regional and international conferences, but also stimulate demand for accommodation, transport, catering, and related services, creating jobs and generating broad-based economic impact. By decentralising major events and enhancing access to less-explored regions, Zimbabwe also stands to showcase its diverse attractions to a wider audience, fostering stronger linkages between business travel and leisure tourism.

As Zimbabwe moves to implement these reforms, the country’s hospitality sector is poised for a transformative period. For travel professionals seeking new business opportunities, the evolving MICE landscape promises increased demand for creative event solutions, destination management services, and tailored itineraries that blend business with the unique adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences Zimbabwe has to offer.

The government’s proactive stance, combined with a commitment to digital innovation and robust data systems, signals a new era of competitiveness for Zimbabwe on the African and global MICE stage. As the sector’s infrastructure gap narrows and investor confidence builds, Zimbabwe is well positioned to emerge as a leading destination for meetings and events—fueling tourism growth and unlocking significant economic potential in the years to come.