“Tourism sector contributes 15% to GDP”* – *PS Beulah Chirume

By Ross Moyo

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This was revealed at yesterday’s NetOne – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) strategic event held at NetOne Cleveland in Acturus, Harare.

Towards a digitally empowered tourism sector the event, attended by senior government officials, board members, industry leaders, and members of the media, saw NetOne hand over laptops and printers to ZTA as an investment foundation in Zimbabwe’s digital future whose tourism sector has grown steadily, with over 2 million tourist arrivals in 2025. Zimbabwe was even voted best destination in the world by Forbes Magazine a feat which even earned Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbra Rwodzi overall best performing Minister both in Zimbabwe at the annual perfomance contracts honoured by President Mnangagwa and internationally. ZTA CEO Dr George Manyaya celebrated his boss Dr B.Rwodzi’s international recognition at ITB Berlin 2026, where Zimbabwe won the Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders award, while the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi was honoured with the Tourism Minister of the Year – Africa accolade.

“Tourism sector contributes 15% to GDP, reflecting strong recovery and growth” said ICT Permanent Secretary Dr. Beaulah Chirume.

NetOne and ZTA partnership aims to drive digital transformation.

The initiative will enhance regulatory efficiency and service delivery.

The ZTA – NetOne collaboration will see enhanced provision of ICT tools enriching connectivity and inclusivity.

Zimbabwe has come of age through digital transformation initiatives brought by such partnerships which also prove both political will from government perspective to work with Telcos.

Tourism growth and economic development have been promoted by this undertaking already maintaining its position on the global market.

Zimbabwe’s second largest Telcos, by subscriber base, NetOne Pvt Ltd, is investing in this broader digital ecosystem with a partnership set to benefit local tourism.