Mnangagwa opens first UN Gastronomy Forum for Africa

In his opening speech, Mnangagwa highlighted the vital role of tourism in the economy.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday hosted the first United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Regional Gastronomy Forum for Africa and the continent to embrace traditional cuisine to promote self-reliance and cultural preservation.

The event, held at Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls, attracted about 450 local and foreign delegates and will run until Sunday.

In his opening speech, Mnangagwa highlighted the vital role of tourism in the economy.

“Tourism is a key part of the economy and to sustainably develop the sector, the government has developed a strategy based on clusters that include gastronomy. By developing gastronomic tourism, Africa must be a continent capable of feeding itself,” he said.

Mnangagwa highlighted how African culture can be used to boost tourism.

“Given that peoples’ cuisine is a manifestation of their culture, our continent’s unique cultural, food and beverage heritage therefore offers immense opportunities for further expansion of the tourism sector,” he said.

Mnangagwa challenged industry leaders to innovate and create new products that promote gastronomy-related food packaging.

“Gastronomy reinforces sustainability and inclusion as we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” President Mnangagwa said.

Also present were the First Lady of Serbia, Tamara Vučić, the First Lady of Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili.

“Their presence underlines the international importance of the forum and highlights collaborative efforts to promote gastronomic tourism across Africa.

“Their presence here today is a testament to the unity and shared vision we have to leverage our rich culinary heritage to foster sustainable development and cultural preservation,” Mnangagwa said.

Speaking at the same event, Pololikashvili praised Zimbabwe’s efforts in promoting the gastronomy industry.

“The role played by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has brought us here. The gastronomy industry is one of the most creative industries that will open up many opportunities for the African tourism industry,” Pololikashvili said.

Mnangagwa also received 100 United Nations scholarships to enable young Zimbabweans to pursue studies in the gastronomy sector.

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