The recently concluded Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Mutare has been overshadowed by allegations of financial impropriety and the sidelining of local businesses, with claims that well-connected ZANU-PF officials benefited from lucrative contracts.
Traditionally hosted at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, the event was this year moved to Mutare Sports Club, where tents and mobile toilets were used.
The decision by the Tourism Ministry has drawn criticism, with businesspeople questioning why a permanent exhibition centre was not built for an international showcase of such scale.
Concerns have also been raised over who was awarded contracts for tents, roadworks and other services, with reports suggesting hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on the temporary set-up.
Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) director Farai Maguwu condemned the event, describing it as a “propaganda crusade” for the ruling party. Said Maguwu:
“It was an opportunity to build a permanent exhibition village in Mutare.
“We can’t be seen setting tents when we are hosting big national and international events. It was a missed opportunity.”
Centre for Resource Governance director James Mupfumi said the expo exposed deeper issues in the province.
He said local businesses are struggling, major industries have long shut down, and natural resource management remains centralised.
Mupfumi stressed that without economic devolution and investment in local governance, tourism cannot thrive on its own.
United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust programmes director Edson Dube said the expo did not contribute to infrastructural development, saying “No permanent infrastructure was left behind.”
