By Staff Reporter
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gifted Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi a Ford Ranger Raptor after she was named Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026.
Rwodzi won the accolade at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, following a continent-wide and international public vote.
The ceremony was held on October 31, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, alongside the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum. Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Winpeg Moyo, collected the award on Rwodzi’s behalf, accompanied by Tourism permanent secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya.
Congratulating the minister, Mnangagwa announced the vehicle gift, describing it as recognition of her contribution to the country’s tourism sector.
“I join the entire nation in extending my heartfelt congratulations to our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, on being named the Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Winning this prestigious honour through a continent-wide and global public vote is a powerful testament to her tireless dedication, transformative leadership, and our collective commitment to building a thriving, world-class tourism sector.
“In recognition of this remarkable milestone and her continued commitment to serving our nation, I am pleased to present her with a Ford Ranger Raptor as a token of appreciation for flying the Zimbabwean flag high,” said Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa said the achievement went beyond Rwodzi, describing it as a proud moment for Zimbabwe and a sign of the country’s growing international profile.
The awards recognise individuals and institutions across 21 categories, spanning governance, business, innovation, media, arts, sport and community development.
Kenya’s Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku was named first runner-up in the Cabinet Minister of the Year category, followed by Beatrice Askul, while Uganda’s Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi finished third.
Rwodzi’s recognition comes as Zimbabwe pushes its heritage-based tourism agenda, seeking to attract more international visitors through its wildlife, cultural heritage and natural attractions.
