Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbra Rwodzi, has secured a major continental honour.
She was named the 2026 Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year during a ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday.
The recognition followed a public voting exercise that attracted participants from across Africa and other parts of the world.
Kenya’s Public Service Minister, Geoffrey Ruku, finished as first runner-up.
Meanwhile, Beatrice Askul, Kenya’s Minister of East African Affairs, secured second place.
Uganda’s Local Government Minister, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, completed the top three.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Winpeg Moyo, accepted the prestigious award on Rwodzi’s behalf.
Rwodzi’s award highlights Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Moyo linked the achievement to Zimbabwe’s growing ambitions in tourism.
She explained that the country views tourism as an important driver of economic expansion and national development.
Moyo also highlighted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s role in advancing tourism within Zimbabwe’s economic transformation programme.
She pointed to the sector’s contribution towards achieving Vision 2030 and implementing the National Development Strategy.
Additionally, the Ambassador acknowledged First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for her contribution to promoting Zimbabwe’s tourism identity.
As Patron of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the First Lady champions the country’s heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy.
Zimbabwe pushes to strengthen its tourism industry
The continental recognition comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to develop its tourism industry.
Through its Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda, the country aims to unlock more value from its natural and cultural attractions.
The strategy also seeks to attract investment and create employment opportunities across the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe wants tourism to play a greater role in supporting national economic growth.
Rwodzi’s recognition therefore arrives at an important time for the country’s tourism ambitions.
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