Zimbabwe is working towards constructing a giant stadium that will be used to host the 2026 and 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The cricket stadium which is will be constructed on 10 hectares will also include various ancillary facilities.
Addressing the media, during a post Cabinet press briefing, the government said the stadium will contribute towards the realisation of the US$5 billion tourism and hospitality industry.
‘’Cabinet considered and noted the update on the Zimbabwe Cricket Stadium Construction Project in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone for Tourism in Victoria Falls as jointly presented by the Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation, Honourable Dr. Jenfan Muswere, and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Babra Rwodzi.
‘’Zimbabwe Cricket was allocated 10 hectares of land for the construction of an international cricket stadium and ancillary facilities in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone for Tourism in Victoria Falls.
‘’The stadium will be used in the hosting of the 2026 and 2027 Cricket World Cup jointly with South Africa and Namibia. His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa will lay the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the international cricket stadium,’’ read the statement from Cabinet.
Towards a US$5 billion tourism industry
According to the government, the construction of this stadium will boost infrastructure development in Victoria Falls, as well as create jobs for the resort town.
Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s major selling point when it comes to tourism and hospitality industry business.
Tourism is one of the key pillar for economic revival for the Second republic together with agriculture and mining.
The government is looking at turning the sector into a US$5 billion sector by 2025.
‘’The project will contribute towards the US$5 billion Tourism and
Hospitality Industry by 2025, as well as the development and expansion of sports infrastructure in the country.
‘’Tourism is a key pillar of the Zimbabwean economy and ranks at number three after Mining and Agriculture, and accounting for 12% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product during the period January to September 2023. Thus, the international cricket stadium and associated facilities will significantly contribute to the growth of the national Gross Domestic Product.
‘’The construction of the cricket facilities and associated infrastructure will also create training and employment opportunities for communities in Victoria Falls.
‘’Under the Integrated Tourism Resort initiative, sustainable tourism will be promoted in line with the United Nations Tourism ethos. The diverse tourism business facilities in the resort town are expected to blend with the natural environment,’’ said the government
