Jonathan Sibanda

Zimbabwe’s growing gastronomy tourism movement is set to take centre stage on May 25, Africa Day, when the national finals of the 2026 Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition are held in Kwekwe.

The upcoming finals follow the successful completion of provincial competitions across the country, including the final provincial edition recently hosted in Matabeleland South, where communities showcased indigenous dishes and culinary traditions rooted in Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.

The competition, held under the patronage of Auxillia Mnangagwa, has increasingly evolved beyond a food showcase into a platform promoting tourism development, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and community inclusion.

In Matabeleland South — widely known as the Rainbow Province — contestants presented traditional dishes such as umxhanxa, amacimbi, ucaba, ibhobola, umbhida we delele, and amatemba, while professional chefs introduced modern interpretations inspired by local cuisine.

Government officials say the initiative aligns with the Ilifa Lethu, Nhaka Yedu — Our Heritage campaign, which seeks to strengthen domestic tourism while positioning Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and indigenous knowledge systems as tourism assets.

Representing the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa said gastronomy tourism continues to play an important role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth through tourism.

The competition has also attracted attention for its inclusivity, creating opportunities for women, youths, people with disabilities, and marginalised communities.

Last year, an inmate from Kwekwe Prison, Knowledge Chirenje, won the Community Category at the national finals — a moment that drew national attention and highlighted the programme’s broader message of inclusion and empowerment.

As Zimbabwe prepares for the Africa Day finals, the competition is increasingly becoming part of the country’s wider tourism narrative, positioning traditional cuisine not only as heritage preservation, but also as a growing cultural tourism experience capable of attracting both domestic and international interest.