SANGANAI 2026 RECORDS 49.4% SURGE IN INTERNATIONAL BUYERS, AS. ZIMBABWE INTEGRATES SPORTS TOURISM

Zimbabwe’s premier tourism expo has recorded its biggest buyer turnout to date, with 133 international buyers confirmed for the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, up from 89 last year.

Francis S. Bingandadi 

Speaking to the media at a press conference to launch World Tourism Day and the Sanganai Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo 2026, Hon Barbara Rwodzzi said that this represents a 49.4 percent year on year increase. The Germans have already arrived in the country.

Exhibitor numbers have also jumped to 392 companies already registered against a target of 400, a 14.3 percent increase from 343 last year. Buyers are drawn from Japan, China, USA, UAE, Germany, UK, South Africa and other African markets. Nine countries will exhibit: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Ghana and Indonesia.

In a new development, the 2026 Expo will integrate Sports Tourism. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa officially opened the September Sports Tourism Carnival on 1 September 2026 at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.

"This year’s Expo marks a new chapter for Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe as we integrate Sports Tourism into our broader tourism promotion strategy". The Carnival will culminate in the Sports Tourism Awards Ceremony on 4 September 2026.

Rwodzi said the Expo is expected to "stimulate new business, investment and tourism flows" through business-to-business engagements.