Chimanimani Business Expo makes lasting impact

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

The Chimanimani Business Expo, held from October 21 to 22, 2026, has highlighted the district’s business potential and opportunities for economic growth.

Held at Chimanimani Hotel, the expo brought together business professionals and entrepreneurs from small, medium-sized and large enterprises, tourism, as well as representatives from the banking, mining and timber industries. The gathering provided a platform for showcasing business opportunities and promoting investment, especially tourism in the district.

Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said Chimanimani tourism had significant potential to contribute to the growth of Manicaland’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Agriculture remains a primary focus in Chimanimani, as the district uniquely encompasses all five agricultural-ecological regions. Stakeholders, including banks, miners and timber operators, are actively contributing to value addition and regional development,” he said.

Adv Mugadza said the district’s tourism sector also had considerable potential to drive economic growth, citing attractions such as Chimanimani boasting of the country’s second-highest peak, Bridal Veil Falls and the area’s natural hot springs.

“We are mobilising investors to build more hotels, while Chimanimani Hotel itself is under new management and undergoing refurbishment. Businesses should look forward to an even wider turnout at the next symposium early next year as we continue to drive growth across the district and province,” he said.

The minister also called on communities to guard against veldfires and condemned drug and substance abuse, urging residents to help keep Chimanimani and the country at large free from the scourge.