Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S strong 2025 hunting season is delivering tangible development benefits in Hwange, as authorities project earnings of up to US$20 million in 2026 from the regulated trophy hunting industry.
The gains come as Zimbabwe marked a diplomatic and economic milestone after securing, for the first time, an invitation to exhibit at Europe’s largest hunting and conservation exhibition in Dortmund, Germany, last month, a move expected to strengthen international partnerships and expand the sector.
Chief Ecologist (Terrestrial) at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), Mrs Roseline Mandisodza, said the country is targeting increased revenue from key species under strictly regulated quotas.
“We are looking at hunting of the African elephant, African lion, African leopard, and also the buffalo as well. So in 2026, we are projecting to get about US$20 million as a country from the hunting industry,” she said.
“It is important to mention that the revenue we are getting is from trophy hunting, daily rates, and also incidentals.”
At community level, proceeds from the 2025 season are already funding infrastructure and service delivery projects in Hwange.
Hwange Rural District Council Ward 1 Councillor Vulindlela Mhlanga said sustainable hunting revenue has transformed livelihoods in his ward.
“This 2025 hunting season brought tremendous success for our ward. Through the revenue generated from sustainable hunting activities, we have managed to construct and rehabilitate critical access roads, drill new boreholes to improve water supply for our communities, and, most importantly, we are now connected to the rest of the world through the establishment of Starlink internet services,” he said.
“Our hunting quota for 2026 has already been secured and deposited, which means we can confidently continue implementing vital development projects that uplift our ward and improve livelihoods for all residents.”
Authorities say continued international re-engagement and efforts to address restrictions on the movement and importation of hunting trophies will be critical to sustaining growth.
“It is also important to mention that we have restrictions where trophies are banned. As a country, we endeavour to provide all the necessary data and information to show the world that our hunting is sustainable,” Mrs Mandisodza said.
“We also engage specific governments to provide the necessary information to support hunting and the importation of trophies into those countries.”
Zimbabwe’s major hunting market remains the United States, accounting for more than 60 percent of business, while Germany contributes over 40 percent alongside other European countries.
More than 100 hunting permits are issued annually under sustainable quotas informed by scientific wildlife population assessments conducted inside and outside protected areas. Species targeted include the African elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo.
Zimbabwe’s regulated hunting season runs from March to November, with Government positioning the sector as a key contributor to conservation financing and rural development.
