By Simba Matake
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has been named the Unstoppable African Minister of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The continental recognition was announced on November 1, following a continent-wide and international public voting process conducted as part of the inaugural awards, held during the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum.
The award places Zimbabwe in the spotlight as the country continues to strengthen its tourism profile and promote the sector as a major contributor to economic growth, investment and employment.
Kenya’s Minister for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, was named first runner-up, while Beatrice Askul, also from Kenya, and Uganda’s Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi completed the other leading positions.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Winpeg Moyo, received the award on behalf of Rwodzi. She was accompanied by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Takaruza Munyanyiwa and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive George Manyaya.
In her acceptance remarks, Rwodzi said:
“This recognition is an acknowledgement of Zimbabwe’s collective efforts to transform tourism into a major driver of economic development.”
She said Zimbabwe had adopted a 13-cluster tourism development model aimed at diversifying the sector beyond traditional wildlife and nature-based attractions.
“Our model embraces cultural heritage, religious tourism, sports tourism and gastronomy, among other areas, to broaden the country’s tourism offering and create more economic opportunities,” she said.
Rwodzi also highlighted initiatives aimed at improving Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, including reduced tourism levies, electronic visas and the introduction of e-gates.
On tourism performance, she said:
“Victoria Falls recorded more than 1.2 million travellers in 2025, representing a 7.8 percent increase.”
The minister’s latest accolade adds to her growing list of recognitions. In March 2026, she was named Zimbabwe’s Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister for 2025, becoming the first woman to receive the award since the introduction of the Government Performance Contracting Framework in 2021.
Zimbabwe has also received continental recognition for its tourism policies, winning Bronze in the Leading in Progressive Policy Award at the 2026 Africa Tourism Leadership Awards in Polokwane, South Africa, while Rwodzi received the Women in Leadership Award.
The latest honour is expected to further raise Zimbabwe’s profile in the continental tourism industry as the country pursues its ambition of becoming a leading destination for international travellers.