(BBC World Service, 11 August 2026)
The Victoria falls,
on the border of
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The programme was broadcast in the UK on 11th August 2026 on BBC Radio 4 as part of the series 'Crossing Continents' series -
Read more on the issues highlighted in the programme on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild webiste.
HARARE, 11 August (BelTA - ZBC) - ZIMBABWE’S tourism sector continues to show positive growth, with new figures indicating an increase in visitor arrivals to the Victoria Falls Rainforest during the first quarter of 2026.
Official first-quarter statistics released by ZimParks reveal a steady increase in visitor arrivals to the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest, reflecting growing confidence in Zimbabwe as a preferred travel destination and the success of ongoing tourism promotion efforts.GOVERNMENT and the private sector yesterday sealed a US$66,9 million Commercial Joint Venture Agreement to unlock high-value tourism development in Victoria Falls, in a major investment push expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in the lucrative regional and global tourism market.
The landmark agreement, signed in Harare yesterday following Cabinet’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in April 2026, marks one of Zimbabwe’s most significant tourism infrastructure investments in recent years and signals growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism sector.
The agreement brings together Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) Private Limited, the development company under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Victoria Seven Investments (Private) Limited, under the J.R. Goddard Consortium, to develop bulk infrastructure at Lot 1 of the 271-hectare Jafuta Estate in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone.
More than a conventional infrastructure project, the development represents the creation of a new integrated tourism precinct designed to redefine Victoria Falls’ visitor experience, while opening vast opportunities for domestic and international investors.
The US$66,9 million investment is expected to provide essential bulk infrastructure, including water and sewer reticulation, electricity distribution and telecommunications networks – the critical backbone required to unlock a pipeline of premium tourism and commercial developments.
Once completed, the serviced estate will accommodate luxury hotels, boutique lodges, villas, chalets, holiday homes, a championship golf estate, commercial and financial centres, medical facilities, a Tourism Academy and the under-construction International Multi-purpose Cricket Stadium, creating a diversified tourism ecosystem that extends Victoria Falls’ appeal beyond its iconic natural attractions.
Industry observers say the project reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic shift from destination marketing alone to destination development, where modern infrastructure becomes the catalyst for sustainable tourism investment and long-term economic growth.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the landmark investment directly supports President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.
“The landmark development advances President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income society and aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 through sustainable tourism investment,” said the ministry in an update after the signing of the agreement.
Officiating at the signing ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, Deputy Minister Honourable Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa was quoted as saying the agreement was a game-changing milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.
He described the development as a transformative investment that positions tourism as a catalyst for infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation through Public-Private Partnerships.
“The complementary investments will create an integrated tourism ecosystem that enhances Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a premier destination, while the signing marks the realisation of a vision conceived in 2012 for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone,” reads the ministry update.
The agreement also demonstrates the Government’s growing use of Public-Private Partnerships to accelerate strategic infrastructure development, while leveraging private capital to maximise the economic value of public assets.
Through the innovative model, the Government contributes land through Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company, enabling investors to channel capital into infrastructure and tourism facilities that generate long-term economic returns.
“Through Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company, the Government is leveraging land equity to unlock private sector investment that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure and investment landscape, elevate tourist experiences, stimulate inclusive economic growth and further position Victoria Falls as a leading high-value tourism and investment destination,” said the ministry.
Beyond the immediate infrastructure works, the project is expected to trigger substantial secondary investments across hospitality, real estate, retail, transport, financial services and recreation, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening linkages with local suppliers and communities.
The development also reinforces Victoria Falls’ evolution from a destination renowned solely for its natural wonder into a globally competitive tourism, sports, conference and investment hub, capable of attracting high-spending visitors and international investors.
With premium accommodation, sporting facilities, commercial services and specialised tourism infrastructure planned within one integrated precinct, the Masuwe Special Economic Zone is set to become a flagship model of sustainable tourism development in Southern Africa.
It is expected to further enhance Zimbabwe’s standing as an investment destination and position tourism as a powerful engine for inclusive economic transformation.
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasised that tourism should be private sector-driven, community-owned, and Government-facilitated, with strategic investments such as the Masuwe Special Economic Zone expected to generate employment, attract foreign direct investment, and accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030.
Under the joint venture agreement, MOTDC will contribute 271,5 hectares of land valued at US$25,6 million as equity in kind, while the JR Goddard Consortium will invest US$66,9 million towards infrastructure development.
The shareholding structure gives MOTDC a 39 percent stake and the consortium 61 percent, with a 25-year profit recoupment period.
Source: Victoria Falls seals milestone US$66,9m tourism development deal (05/08/2026)
THE largest hotel firm in Zimbabwe, African Sun, has gained total control of the Victoria Falls Hotels following the purchase of the remaining 50% stake in the asset held by Meikles.
Also known as the Grand Old Lady of the Falls, the hotel was built in 1904 and is the oldest, most iconic resort in the region, operating as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. It is the only hotel featuring a private, 10-minute footpath that leads guests directly to the entrance of Victoria Falls.
Since 1998, the asset was run as a 50/50 joint venture partnership with Meikles Hospitality (Private) Limited.
In a statement, Meikles said the board climbed down on its initial plans to retain interests in the asset after accepting African Sun's offer.
"The Company had initially resolved to retain the operation as part of continuing operations, but subsequently received and accepted an offer from its joint venture partner to acquire its interest in the Partnership," Meikles said.
African Sun already manages a sound portfolio of the country's leading hospitality assets such as the Elephant Hills Resort, Hwange Safari Lodge, Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga and the Holiday Inn hotels.
The hospitality group recently disposed of the Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Monomotapa Hotel and Caribbea Bay Resort to create space to focus on strategic properties.
On its part, Meikles aims to deepen its focus on retail, consumer operations, supermarkets, and agricultural interests, with management perceiving the latest transaction as a way to clean up and simplify its group structure.
Source: African Sun Gains 100 Percent Control of Victoria Falls Hotel (04/08/2026)
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister
Felix Mhona has admitted that the critical rehabilitation of the
The minister’s admission came during a heated National Assembly Q&A session on Wednesday, following a sharp rebuke from Lupane East legislator Siphathisiwe Machangu, who described the 440km highway as a scene of "complete abandonment".
Machangu challenged the government’s policy on allowing contractors to desert projects, leaving vital infrastructure in a dangerous and deteriorated state.
She painted a bleak picture of the current situation on the
ground, noting that between
"The roads are just empty," Machangu told the House, demanding a clear timeline for when the "reconstruction" would resume.
In a frank response, Mhona conceded that the project had indeed "stalled". He attributed the delays to a combination of variables, including "delays in payment" from the treasury and some contractors who overrepresented their "capacity" to do the work.
He noted that in the past, some contractors anticipated upfront deposits before disappearing, though the government now requires a demonstration of capacity first.
The minister revealed a startling fiscal reality. His ministry was allocated the equivalent of only US$150 million for road projects across the entire country for the current year.
"You are the owners of the place, this august
House," Mhona told the MPs. "You gave us US150 million and if we just
apply it to that road [
Despite the budgetary shortfall, Mhona insisted the
government is now "thinking outside the box" by pursuing
public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements and loan facilities. He informed
the House that a 750km stretch—originally starting from Beitbridge—was
initially under a PPP, but the government had to intervene on the
To address the 440km stretch, the ministry has engaged eight contractors, each assigned a 50km section.
While Machangu reported seeing no activity, the minister argued that some work might be hidden by detours "divorced from the main road." He claimed that nine kilometres of the road were recently opened to traffic two and a half weeks ago.
In a significant commitment to Matabeleland North residents and the tourism sector, Mhona announced that a new infrastructure framework has been agreed upon between the Transport and Finance ministries to ensure contractors are paid.
"I want to say to Hon. Machangu, yes, watch the space and as we move towards August, you will see massive rehabilitation again," Mhona promised.
"Those contractors will be mobilised again to their various sections... you will see an accelerated pace going forward."
The state of the road remains a point of high anxiety for regional leaders. Hwange MP Daniel Bonda also weighed in, urging the ministry to ensure that even while working on specific sections, contractors must maintain detours that have become "no longer trafficable."
Mhona confirmed that current contracts now mandate routine maintenance of entire sections, including detours, to keep traffic flowing.
Source: Stalled
Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road project gets funding (02/08/26)
July 31 (Reuters) - A newly constructed stadium in Victoria Falls has been named among the venues for next year's 50-over World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced.
Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 31st July 2026
Download our issue by issue summary of conservation concerns and conclusions highlighted by the IUCN/World Heritage Centre together with final decision text adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th Session held at Busan, Republic of Korea, 19-29 July 2026 relating to the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site here (direct pdf download from the KVFW website).
‘Current Conservation Issues’ and ‘Analysis and Conclusions of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO Advisory Body’ (IUCN), together with World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text, was published 19th June 2026 (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 19th June 2026; Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 9th July 2026; 18th July 2026), Download our pdf of original proposed draft text relating to the Site here.
Amendments to Draft Decision text proposed by Committee members Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo, published on UNESCO website 23rd July (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 23rd July 2026; Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 23rd July 2026). Download the amendments as submitted and published on 23rd July 2026 here.
Revised amendments to Draft Decision text published on UNESCO website 24th July (UNESCO/World Heritage Centre, 24th July 2026; Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 24th July 2026). Download the amendments as submitted and published on 24th July 2026 here.
Site originally due for discussion by Committee on 24th July, delayed until 27th July by late running and rescheduling of the agenda. See our full (unofficial) transcript of the Committee’s discussion on the Site here and audio file (mp3) here (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 27th July 2026; 28th July 2026).
In introducing the discussion it was disclosed that the representatives of the African World Heritage Centre and IUCN had met with the representatives of the State Parties (Zambia and Zimbabwe) on the 23rd July to discuss the proposed amendments and resulting in the revised amendment document published on the 24th. There appears to be no published record of the discussion or decisions made at this side meeting.
References
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (19th June 2026) Current Conservation Issues’ and ‘Analysis and Conclusions of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO Advisory Body’ (IUCN); World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text, Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (whc26-48com-7BAdd-en).
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (23rd July 2026) Amendment Proposal, Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (7B.93-Kenya)
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (24th July 2026) Revised Amendment Proposal, Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (7B.93 - Kenya REV2).
UNESCO/World Heritage Centre (27th July 2026) Committee Discussion, Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (7B.83) [See Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Discussion on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, 27th July 2026.]
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th July 2026) Still Kicking the Can Down the Road... UNESCO World Heritage Committee Draft Decision text published.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th July 2026) Riverside Developments at Victoria Falls Threaten World Heritage Site.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd July 2026) World Heritage Committee members attempt to dilute draft Decision text regarding Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24th July 2026) Committee Members Propose Further Last Minute Amendments to draft Decision text on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Discussion on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, 27th July 2026.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th July 2026) World Heritage Committee Adopted Decision text on Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, 27th July 2026.
