By Kudakwashe Matizanadzo
HARARE — Zimbabwe is positioning sports tourism as a vital instrument of soft diplomacy to build international ties and elevate its global brand, following the conclusion of the 2026 Sterling Group International Pairs Golf Tournament in the capital on Saturday.
Speaking at the national finale, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa framed international sporting events as unique avenues to foster global relationships that bypass traditional political frameworks.
Addressing the national champions who qualified to represent the country at the World Final in Tenerife, Spain, Mnangagwa highlighted the geopolitical value of sports participation.
”Sports tourism is a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy,” Mnangagwa said.
“It creates relationships between people and nations beyond formal diplomatic channels. Your participation will provide an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe to golfers and audiences from different countries and continents.”
He urged the representatives to serve as active national envoys abroad.
“I encourage you to be proud ambassadors of our nation. Our message should be simple, Come and Experience Zimbabwe.”
Beyond diplomatic outreach, the Deputy Minister emphasized that major sporting fixtures act as a key lever for domestic economic expansion. Approximately 148 players traveled to Harare for the final, part of a larger field of 1 550 participants across 28 clubs nationwide generating direct revenue across local service sectors.
”Golfers and their companions do not simply play and depart,” Mnangagwa said
“They stay in hotels and lodges, use transport services, engage caddies, dine in restaurants, visit attractions and shopping centres and experience our culture, wildlife and communities.”
Mnangagwa added that integrating sports into the wide economy aligns with national strategic frameworks, including Vision 2030 and the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2) for 2026–2030, which focus on job creation, local enterprise growth and investment drive. He cited the recent India-Zimbabwe T20 International Series as another example of how sports broadcast Zimbabwe to a global audience.
”Every tournament hosted in Zimbabwe, every international golfer who visits our country and every positive story shared beyond our borders strengthens the visibility of Destination Zimbabwe,” he said.
Looking ahead, the government expressed formal ambitions to bid for future editions of the International Pairs World Final, leveraging host venues like Victoria Falls and Mhondoro-Ngezi, which previously hosted the national finals under the government’s devolution strategy.
”With strong collaboration between Government, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, sporting bodies, the private sector, golf clubs and local communities, I believe we can position Zimbabwe to host the World Final in the future,” Mnangagwa affirmed.
