29/05/2026
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, today officiated at the 2026 Recognition of Top Women Leadership Awards held in Harare, where women from various sectors were honoured for their exceptional leadership, patriotism, resilience and distinguished contribution towards National Development. The prestigious event celebrated Women whose dedication and service continue to transform Communities and drive Zimbabwe’s socio-economic growth in areas such as Governance, Tourism, Law, Health, Academia, Philanthropy and Community Empowerment in line with Vision 2030.
Among the top women recognised was the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Patron of Tourism Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for her outstanding Humanitarian, Cultural and Tourism initiatives which continue to position Zimbabwe as a leading Cultural and Gastronomy Tourism destination. The First Lady has championed the promotion of Zimbabwean Traditional Gastronomy, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Heritage Preservation, Environmental Conservation, Rural Tourism and Community Empowerment initiatives that are transforming livelihoods across the country. Her efforts in promoting healthy traditional foods, cultural values and sustainable lifestyles have strengthened Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Heritage Tourism agenda while empowering Communities and preserving the Nation’s identity for future generations. Her remarkable contribution to Gastronomy Tourism earned her International recognition by UN Tourism as the Queen of Gastronomy Tourism in Africa. We congratulate Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Nation building.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi was also among the top women recognised for her exceptional leadership in repositioning Brand Zimbabwe and driving Tourism growth as one of the country’s key Economic pillars. Minister Rwodzi has led transformative initiatives that have elevated Zimbabwe’s global tourism profile, earning international recognition from platforms such as Forbes Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and PATWA. Under her stewardship, Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 11% while Tourism receipts rose by 14% to approximately US$251 million. Tourism investment also surged by over 438% to nearly US$68 million, while Domestic Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Tourism Cluster initiatives continue to empower Women, Persons with Disabilities, Youths and local Communities.
Other distinguished women recognised included the Minister of Defence, Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, President of the Senate Hon. Mabel Chinomona, Chief Justice Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Attorney General Mrs. Virginia Mabhiza, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo and Justice Priscilla Chigumba, among others.
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