Zimbabwe Government and the French public development institution Agence Française de Développement (AFD) are in partnership on a EUR 3 million project for the rehabilitation of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site in Masvingo.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will launch the project with the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr. Laurent Chevallier, the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe in attendance.
The project, funded by AFD, will see the visitor experience at the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site elevating to international standards.
The Great Zimbabwe Development Project aims to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development and the cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.
Cooperation between Zimbabwe and France will also strengthen the preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Improving the conservation of the World Heritage Site and strengthening national capacities to manage the site while promoting interlinkages with the local economy will help achieve inclusive tourism development.
Enhancing the value of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site also has the potential to contribute to employment, economic growth, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Zimbabwe.
Funding for the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage site is in line with the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025) under tourism, where the country seeks to look beyond traditional tourism to invest in alternative forms, and places of tourism.
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) will work closely with UNESCO, who are the custodian of World Heritage Sites, on the three-year project.
Masvingo Province has many local attractions such as Chamavara caves, Lake Mutirikwi, and Sikalo Lion Park which will all benefit from the promotion of local tourism in Zimbabwe.
