AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Air Zimbabwe has relaunched direct Harare–London Gatwick flights after a 14-year gap, with three weekly services and promotional fares from £490/US$495 one-way, aiming to lift tourism, trade and diaspora travel. Tourism Strategy: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry unveiled a 2026–2030 national tourism strategy in Kariba, pushing for a more connected, resilient and inclusive destination. Local Attractions: Epworth’s balancing rocks are set for a tourism push, with plans for better roads, visitor facilities, sanitation, and training for local guides and vendors. Wildlife & Enforcement: A pangolin trophy case in Harare has led to an arrest warrant after a suspect failed to appear in court, highlighting ongoing wildlife protection efforts. Returnees Support: The Magolide Foundation says it’s mobilising food and essentials for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa amid violence and displacement. Health Watch: Cholera has claimed the life of a veteran Harare choral conductor, as cases and hospitalisations continue to be reported. Travel Context: Zimbabwe’s air connectivity also gets a wider boost as SAA and Turkish Airlines activate a codeshare deal covering Harare and Victoria Falls.

Tourism Strategy: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has launched the 2026–2030 national tourism strategy, aiming to make the country a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable destination through product diversification, better service quality and stronger global marketing. Air Connectivity: South African Airways and Turkish Airlines’ codeshare is now live, adding TK/SA codes across key routes including Harare and Victoria Falls, boosting options via Johannesburg and Istanbul. Hospitality Investment Gap: Industry leaders warn Zimbabwe’s hotels need major funding to be ready for IATF 2029, with refurbishment costs estimated at US$8m–US$30m per property. Returnee Pressure at Beitbridge: International Medical Corps reports nearly 100,000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since April, with women and children making up 70%, while Beitbridge reception faces overcrowding, sanitation shortages and protection risks. Migration Labour Fallout (SA): South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration drive is reportedly reshaping labour markets, with businesses citing skilled labour shortages and employers accused of using the climate to dismiss workers. Safari Timing Tip: A travel piece argues the best time for safari may be off-peak, helping travellers save thousands while still enjoying great wildlife viewing. Cultural Tourism: Hurungwe Arts Festival returns for its 10th anniversary (July 24–27), expanding into a regional platform with delegations from Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya.

Tourism & Culture: Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector is bracing for IATF 2029 after industry leaders warned hotels need millions for refurbishments and long-term financing to meet continental demand. Sports Tourism: Zimbabwe ended a 31-year wait by hosting southern Africa’s best table tennis continental championship at Glen City Resort, with medals and a big crowd boost for Harare’s events scene. Arts & Festivals: Hurungwe Arts Festival returns for its 10th anniversary (July 24–27) with regional delegations from Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya—an easy draw for culture travellers. Community & Wellbeing: A US$3m Franciscan Centre Bulawayo is planned as a spiritual, counselling and retreat facility (2026–2031), adding another faith-and-retreat stop for visitors. Migration Pressure at Borders: Beitbridge reception facilities are under strain as women and children make up 70% of returnees, with overcrowding and sanitation gaps affecting travel-linked safety and comfort.

Border Security & Corruption: Three ZRP officers were sentenced to five years for running a “Border Mafia” extortion ring at the Mozambique crossing, turning safe passage into a cash machine. Returnee Crisis at Beitbridge: Nearly 100,000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since April, with women and children making up 70%, as returnees report harassment, forced evictions, violence and loss of livelihoods. Humanitarian Response in South Africa: South Africa’s migration committee reaffirmed humanitarian support and condemned xenophobia and vigilantism, while stressing lawful, orderly enforcement and state responsibility for repatriation. Travel Rules for Zimbabweans: Jamaica confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of 16 African countries including Zimbabwe; Iran also lists Zimbabwe for 15-day visa-free tourism entry. Road Safety: Fatal kombi crashes in Buhera (Ruti Dam) and near Chinhoyi killed 16 people, with police citing dangerous handling and negligence. Tourism & Connectivity Signals: Bulawayo’s smart-city push includes major new conference and retail projects, including the US$12m Fairgrounds Retail Centre and a US$3m Franciscan Centre. Culture & Heritage: Matabeleland South celebrated the Constitutional Amendment Act victory with the revived Lemba Cultural Annual Festival drawing thousands.

Visa Rules & Mobility: Iran lists six African countries (including Zimbabwe) for 15-day visa-free tourist entry, while Russia’s 2026 visa-free and e-visa rules keep most African travellers restricted by passport type. US Immigration Politics: A US bill would permanently bar nationals of 39 countries, but Antigua and Barbuda pushes back—an issue that could ripple into travel planning and diaspora movement. Zimbabwe–South Africa Return Wave: Government says it’s preparing for up to 1.4 million returnees from South Africa, with 99,418 already assisted between 28 May and 10 July, and it’s expanding reception and ART support at Beitbridge. Tourism & City Development: Bulawayo’s re-industrialisation gets a boost with major projects like the US$12m Fairgrounds Retail Centre and the US$3m Franciscan Centre, both tied to conference and visitor-facing facilities. Road Safety (Travel Risk): Two deadly crashes—one at Ruti Dam (Buhera) and another on Harare–Chirundu Road—highlight ongoing transport dangers for travellers and tour groups. Culture & Heritage: VP Kembo Mohadi backs the revived Lemba Cultural Annual Festival, framing it as a heritage tourism and indigenous knowledge opportunity. Victoria Falls Spotlight: Residents are urged to reflect on development as by-elections loom, with claims that Vic Falls is being positioned as a world-class destination.

Migration & Border Reality: Zimbabweans returning from South Africa continue to be processed and supported at Beitbridge, with the Government saying over 100,000 have returned since the 30 June unrest and that ART access is being maintained via the CARG model (127 returnees already reached). Humanitarian Response: The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration rejects xenophobia and vigilantism, stressing repatriation is the State’s job and warning against harassment of foreign nationals. Travel Rules Watch: Iran published a visa-free tourism list naming Zimbabwe among six African countries for a 15-day stay (once every six months), while Russia’s unified e-visa in 2026 includes Zimbabwe as one of only a few African countries. Road Safety: A Buhera kombi tragedy at Ruti Dam left nine feared dead after brake failure and unsafe loading practices. Tourism & Community: Victoria Falls residents were urged to back development ahead of 1 August by-elections, with leaders citing plans to position the city as a world-class destination. Diaspora Stories: A South African woman stranded in Bulawayo after trying to reunite with her husband highlights ongoing strain for families caught up in the regional turmoil.

Return & Reintegration: Zimbabwe says it has brought home over 100,000 people from South Africa as anti-migrant violence continues, with Beitbridge processing about 1,000 returnees daily and a UN-backed resource plan signed to support reception and reintegration. Health at the Border: The Ministry of Health is using the CARG model to keep HIV patients on treatment, with 127 returnees already accessing ART since the Beitbridge clinic opened. Migration Policy: The Inter-Ministerial Committee rejects xenophobia and vigilantism, warning that unlawful searches and harassment of migrants will face legal action. Travel & Connectivity: fastjet Zimbabwe plans to lease an Airbus A320-200 from 1 August to boost capacity on Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes during peak season. Tourism Culture: Gwanda’s first culture festival spotlights heritage as an economic driver, linking arts, food and storytelling to local jobs. Road Safety: A commuter omnibus plunged into Ruti Dam in Buhera after suspected brake failure, with nine feared dead.

Aviation & Connectivity: fastjet Zimbabwe will lease an Airbus A320-200 for August–September peak travel, adding capacity mainly on Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes. Airline Partnerships: South African Airways and Turkish Airlines have activated a codeshare from 15 July, with TK codes on SAA routes including Harare and Victoria Falls, boosting links via Johannesburg and Istanbul. Tourism & Events: Stanbic Bank is the headline sponsor of the Carnival Cup polo tournament at Thornpark Polo Grounds, helping preserve Zimbabwe’s long-running polo heritage. Road Safety for Travellers: a fatal crash near Chinhoyi Caves on the Harare–Chirundu Road killed six, underlining ongoing risks on one of Zimbabwe’s busiest corridors. Border & Returnee Support: the Ministry of Health is using the CARG model at Beitbridge to support HIV patients returning from South Africa, while consular services report two deaths during repatriation. Health & Public Services: Zimbabwe says maternal mortality has declined (212 to 137 per 100,000 live births) alongside 2025 neonatal and maternal death figures. Culture as an Economy: Gwanda’s Culture Festival is pushing heritage and the creative arts as income drivers.

Culture & Jobs: Matabeleland South’s Gwanda Culture Festival is pushing heritage as an economic pillar, with artists urged to turn music, dance and storytelling into income under Vision 2030. Health & Travel Readiness: Zimbabwe says maternal mortality has fallen from 212 to 137 deaths per 100,000 live births, as health reforms expand care. Border & HIV Continuity: With returnees from South Africa rising, government has set up temporary clinics at ports of entry to dispense up to five days of ART while patients are assessed and linked to long-term treatment. Transport & Tourism Access: The Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation is in the final stretch, with 31.9km left, aiming to cut delays for freight and travellers. Air Connectivity: South African Airways and Turkish Airlines have activated a codeshare, adding Harare and Victoria Falls links via Johannesburg and Istanbul. Investment for Agro-Tourism: Zimbabwe is seeking Chinese investment for the Goromonzi Agro-Industrial Park, including cold chain, packaging and accommodation services. Regional Migration Pressure: Traditional leaders in South Africa launched an initiative promoting lawful migration and tougher enforcement, after King Misuzulu met President Mnangagwa. Repatriation Update: Two Zimbabweans have died during repatriation from South Africa, with one body held at Musina mortuary. Local Events: Stanbic Bank sponsors Zimbabwe’s historic Carnival Cup polo tournament, drawing teams and visitors to Harare.

Road & Trade: The Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation is in its final stretch, with 31.9km still unfinished after 550.1km was opened to traffic—key for freight and tourism links to South Africa. Border Health: Zimbabwe has set up temporary ART clinics at ports of entry, screening 99,000 returnees and issuing up to five days’ medication while patients register for long-term care. Returnee Support: Government expects up to 1.4 million Zimbabweans to return from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, with reintegration support involving ministries, churches, the private sector and UN agencies. Tourism & Events: Masvingo commissioned a US$1.2m engineering fleet and opened a new 20-bed maternity unit, with the fleet also supporting preparations for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. Travel Access: Zimbabwe published visa-on-arrival and visa-free country lists for 2026, with options to pre-fill entry declarations online to speed border processing. Sports Tourism: Stanbic Bank headlines the Carnival Cup polo tournament at Thornpark this Saturday, drawing teams and visitors. Regional Mobility: India released its 2026 e-Visa list for 32 African countries, easing online tourism, business and medical travel. Women & Youth Conference: Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 Global Africa Women’s Sustainability Conference in Victoria Falls and bid to host the Youth Connekt Africa Summit.

Repatriation & Border Relief: Zimbabwe expects up to 1.4 million returnees from South Africa as xenophobic attacks intensify, with nearly 100,000 already repatriated since late May; officials say screening and reintegration support will involve ministries, traditional leaders, churches, the private sector and UN partners, while Bulawayo transit centres receive donations to help families get a “soft landing.” Visa Rules for Travellers: Zimbabwe published 2026 visa-on-arrival and visa-free lists, including multiple African countries; travellers can pre-fill entry declarations online to speed up border processing. Aviation for Tourism: Government says it’s reviewing aviation taxes and charges to stay competitive as it pushes connectivity and positions airports like Victoria Falls as tourism gateways. Road Access for Tourism: The Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge highway upgrade is nearing completion, with 550.1 km opened to traffic, improving travel to key tourism routes. Hospitality Funding Gap: Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector says it needs up to US$30 million per operator to refurbish properties ahead of IATF 2029, alongside plans to grow hotel capacity. Regional Tourism Boost: Lake Kariba’s Blue Economy Strategy is set to attract investment in fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism and water transport, with renewed confidence as water levels rise.

Border & travel facilitation: Zimbabwe is speeding up repatriation processing at Beitbridge with a dedicated “green route” to cut delays for government-assisted returnees. Road & tourism access: About 550km of the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge highway has been opened to traffic after rehabilitation, with only 31.9km left to finish this year—good news for road trips to Beitbridge and beyond. Aviation & connectivity: Government says aviation taxes and charges may be hurting Zimbabwe’s tourism competitiveness, and it will adjust them to attract more airlines; Etihad and Fastjet Zimbabwe also signed an interline/codeshare deal to expand onward connections to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. Hospitality capacity crunch: Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector says it needs up to US$30m per operator to refurbish properties ahead of IATF 2029, alongside plans to grow accommodation capacity. Regional trade & cross-border movement: Zimbabwe and Zambia are demarcating their Lake Kariba boundary with buoys to make transactions and travel smoother under AfCFTA. Visa updates for travellers: Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa have published 2026 visa-free lists for selected African countries—useful for planning regional itineraries. Returnee health & safety: Experts warn repatriation from South Africa can disrupt chronic medication and worsen mental health, highlighting the need for better support on the journey.

Repatriation & Border Safety: Zimbabwe has repatriated nearly 100,000 citizens from South Africa amid renewed anti-migrant protests, with an inter-ministerial plan covering border management, healthcare and reintegration. Tourism Finance: Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector says it needs up to US$30 million per operator to refurbish properties ahead of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2029, while plans target 10,000 hotel rooms in three years. Regional Tourism & Investment: The Lake Kariba Blue Economy Strategy is set to open new opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism, water transport and renewable energy, with improved lake levels boosting tourism confidence. Aviation Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe signed an interline/codeshare partnership to help travellers connect via Harare to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, with Abu Dhabi links and hotel stopover benefits. Local Housing & Visitor Readiness: A Harare ward councillor appealed for lease agreements and approved plans to curb demolitions—an issue that can affect neighbourhood stability and visitor-facing infrastructure. Returnee Job Scams: A Bulawayo returnee warned of suspicious recruitment tactics after alleged promises of work turned into unclear arrangements. Visa Rules for Travellers: Angola, Kenya, Tanzania and the UAE published updated visa-free/visa-required lists for 2026, shaping planning for African and Zimbabwean travellers.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: Etihad deepens its Zimbabwe push with a codeshare deal with Fastjet Zimbabwe, letting travellers connect in Harare to domestic and regional destinations (Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg) ahead of the Harare–Abu Dhabi route planned for March 2027. Regional Trade & Border Travel: Zimbabwe and Zambia are demarcating their Lake Kariba boundary to make cross-border commerce smoother under AfCFTA, while the new Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga is being hailed as a game-changer for trade and tourism. Aviation Growth: Private aviation is being positioned as a key tourism enabler, with Zimbabwe Air Safaris expanding charter services for high-end travellers and remote safari access. Returnees & Safety: Xenophobia-linked violence in South Africa continues to drive Zimbabwean returnees home, with Bulawayo’s transit support centre facing scrutiny and health experts warning that disrupted HIV care could put returnees at risk. Travel Rules: The UK has tightened entry clearance requirements for travellers from Nigeria and 32 other African countries, with Zimbabwean travellers likely to be affected depending on nationality and route. Tourism Infrastructure & Investment: Matabeleland North has declared four Integrated Provincial SEZs, with tourism and tourism infrastructure highlighted around Masuwe (Victoria Falls).

Special Economic Zones: Matabeleland North has declared four Integrated Provincial Special Economic Zones, with FDI rising to US$964.9m in 2025, and tourism-linked IPSEZ support flagged for Victoria Falls’ Masuwe. Returnee support: Government dismissed claims of overcrowding and food shortages at Bulawayo’s UCCSA transit centre, saying returnees are being received with registration, clinic and food support. Health risk for travellers: HIV care disruptions are a growing concern as Zimbabweans are repatriated from South Africa, with experts warning missed medication can quickly raise health risks. Border & tourism access: A new modernised Kasambabezi Border Post in Binga is expected to cut travel distances and boost cross-border trade and tourism with Zambia. Air connectivity: Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick service is set to restart by end of July, with Chapman Freeborn supporting the ACMI capacity plan—good news for diaspora travel and UK tourism links. Victoria Falls cleanliness push: Stanbic Bank pledged US$30,000 over three years to the Pristine Victoria Falls Society to strengthen eco-tourism through waste management and conservation. Sport tourism boost: Zimbabwe hosted the Southern Africa Regional Table Tennis Championships for the first time in 31 years, with international praise for the event’s organisation. Migration pressure in the region: South Africa reported processing over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation amid anti-immigrant unrest—an ongoing factor shaping travel plans and border flows.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Zimbabwe is set to launch direct London Gatwick–Harare flights again after 14 years, with the first route starting July 22 (three flights weekly), giving UK travellers a fresh route into Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls Clean-Up Funding: Stanbic Bank pledges US$30,000 over three years to the Pristine Victoria Falls Society to intensify waste management and keep the resort town “cleanest in Africa.” New Stay for Groups: Chiefs Tented Camps opened Victoria Falls Tented Camp, a seasonal private-use safari camp near the airport, targeting incentive and group travel with up to 80 guests initially. Agrotourism Push: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa says Agrotourism4She will turn farming into rural jobs through value addition, gastronomy, culture and farm-based tourism. Returnee Support & Security: Churches in Bulawayo are helping Zimbabweans returning from South Africa with accommodation, food, counselling and transport, as police step up border security. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa says it has processed over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, with Zimbabwe among the major groups. UK Visa Rules: The UK updated its visitor visa list, adding 52 African countries requiring visas for stays under six months, affecting travel planning for many Zimbabweans and regional travellers. Crime & Extradition Watch: Zimbabwean-born UK murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma appeared in a Johannesburg court as extradition processes continue.