By Simbarashe Sithole
Tourism and culture are key pillars in strengthening African unity, regional integration and connectivity, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
Speaking at the Tourism and Culture Night, Rwodzi said cultural exchanges and shared experiences were powerful tools for bringing people together as countries deliberate on ways to strengthen tourism cooperation through the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
“As we deliberate on COMESA, we must strengthen connectivity in tourism,” Rwodzi said.
She said sharing meals and drinks created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact, build relationships and appreciate one another’s cultures.
“It is a powerful instrument when we share a meal together. You become closer when you eat and drink together,” she said.
Rwodzi said Africa’s shared identity was an important foundation for regional cooperation, adding that COMESA had helped bring countries and their people closer together.
“Africa is one, and COMESA has brought us together,” she said.
The minister also highlighted the KAZA UniVisa initiative, which facilitates travel among participating countries in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, as an example of regional efforts to ease movement and promote tourism.
The KAZA UniVisa currently covers participating destinations including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, helping visitors explore attractions across borders under a simplified visa arrangement.
Rwodzi’s remarks highlighted the importance of combining cultural promotion with easier travel to strengthen tourism, stimulate economic activity and deepen cooperation among African countries.
Through shared cultural experiences, regional tourism initiatives and improved connectivity, African countries have opportunities to showcase their heritage while creating business opportunities and supporting local communities