Zimbabwe took a significant step toward its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka with the official launch of the Zimbabwe Pavilion website and mobile application at the Golden Conifer venue in Harare on Tuesday. The event, held in conjunction with a tourism stakeholder engagement session, underscored the nation’s commitment to showcasing its economic potential, cultural heritage, and tourism offerings on a global stage.
The launch was presided over by Ambassador A.R. Chimbindi, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who described Expo 2025 Osaka as a “golden opportunity” to advance Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement agenda. “This event marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, offering us the opportunity to engage with the world and deepen our economic ties,” Chimbindi said in his keynote address. He emphasized the Expo, set to open on April 12, 2025, in Osaka, Japan, as a strategic platform for fostering international partnerships, promoting sustainable growth, and showcasing key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
The newly unveiled digital platforms are designed to serve as comprehensive hubs, providing real-time updates, investment opportunities, and interactive engagement tools for local and international stakeholders. “In this digital era, connectivity and real-time engagement are vital for successful global outreach,” Chimbindi noted, highlighting the platforms’ role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s visibility ahead of the Expo.
Dr. T. Munyanyiwa, Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, delivered welcome remarks, emphasizing the pivotal role of tourism in Zimbabwe’s economy. “From our stunning natural landscapes to our vibrant cultural heritage, we are confident that our unique tourism offerings will leave a lasting impression on the global world,” he said. Munyanyiwa urged private sector involvement, noting that partnerships would be crucial to ensuring Zimbabwe’s pavilion reflects the nation’s ambitions and capabilities.
The event also featured closing remarks by Mr. W. Stima, Acting Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), who congratulated stakeholders for their contributions and spotlighted the innovative work of young designers from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT). The HIT team won the competition to design the pavilion’s digital platforms, a feat Stima hailed as a testament to the potential of Zimbabwe’s youth in driving national development.
Among the distinguished attendees were H.E. Shinichi Yamanaka, Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, Mr. Allan T. Majuru, Zimbabwe’s Expo 2025 Commissioner General, and senior officials from various ministries and agencies, including the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and ZimTrade. The presence of tourism and industry leaders, alongside media representatives, underscored the collaborative effort behind Zimbabwe’s Expo preparations.
The Expo 2025 Osaka, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will provide Zimbabwe with a global platform to highlight its iconic attractions—such as Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, and Hwange National Park—while promoting investment opportunities under its Vision 2030 economic strategy. Stima urged the private sector to leverage the ZTA’s participation packages, accessible via the new website, mobile app, and ZTA’s official channels, to ensure a robust presence at the Expo.
As Zimbabwe counts down to April 2025, the launch of these digital tools signals a proactive approach to positioning the country as a competitive player in global tourism, trade, and investment. “Together, let us make Expo 2025 Osaka a resounding success for our nation,” Chimbindi concluded, officially launching the platforms to applause from the gathered dignitaries.
