Zimbabwe's Bold Tourism Push: Ministry Eyes Zig2.29bn Budget by 2027
Zimbabwe's Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is seeking ZIG2.29 billion for its 2027 budget, facing an 80% funding gap compared to Treasury's proposed ceiling. Permanent Secretary Takaruza Munyanyiwa detailed the critical need for these funds to implement national development programs, while also highlighting past disbursement challenges and appealing for parliamentary support. A new Tourism Act was also noted as a key development for the sector.Zimbabwe's Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has made a significant funding request of ZIG2.29 billion for the 2027 National Budget, yet faces a substantial challenge as the Treasury has indicated an initial ceiling of only ZIG454.8 million. This disparity leaves the ministry grappling with an approximate 80% funding gap, a critical issue highlighted during the ongoing pre-budget consultations in Parliament. Ministries are currently presenting their financial requirements to portfolio committees in preparation for the 2027 National Budget, which is expected to be presented in November.
During his presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, chaired by Harare West legislator Joana Mamombe, Permanent Secretary Takaruza Munyanyiwa underscored the vital need for the requested ZIG2.29 billion. He stated that these funds are essential for the comprehensive implementation of priority programmes that are strategically aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Munyanyiwa further detailed the existing funding constraints, explaining that within the ministry's overall bid, ZIG1.7 billion had been specifically requested, but only ZIG240.6 million was ultimately allocated. Similar shortfalls affected other entities under the ministry's purview, with the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) bidding ZIG65 million but receiving ZIG39 million, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) requesting ZIG521.7 million yet being allocated a mere ZIG44.2 million.
Munyanyiwa also provided an update on the budget utilisation for 2026, reporting that as of September 2026, the ministry had utilised 57% of its allocation, amounting to ZIG211.2 million out of ZIG369.3 million. He attributed the underutilisation in the Policy and Administration department, where only 37% of its allocation was used, to the delayed disbursement of cash during the first quarter. Munyanyiwa elaborated that cash disbursements only began in April, and in many instances, budget releases were not accompanied by the actual cash, severely hampering the ministry's operational capacity.
Acknowledging past support, Munyanyiwa commended the Mamombe-led committee for its previous advocacy, which resulted in an increase of the ministry's allocation from 27% of its bid in 2025 to 35% in 2026. He appealed for the committee's continued support in securing increased funding for the 2027 budget cycle. The ministry anticipates refining its bids further during the upcoming Pre-Budget Seminar, scheduled in two weeks' time. Additionally, Munyanyiwa highlighted the recent enactment of the Tourism Act No. 5 of 2026, gazetted on September 18, 2026, as a significant legislative milestone aimed at enhancing competitiveness, streamlining registration, and fostering sustainability and inclusivity within the tourism sector.