Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE has reached a significant diplomatic and economic milestone after being invited to exhibit for the first time at Europe’s largest hunting and conservation exhibition, currently underway in Dortmund, Germany.
The country’s participation is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s hunting and wildlife conservation sector, while strengthening international market access, particularly within Europe.
The development reflects the success of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy, which continues to open new platforms for economic cooperation and international partnerships.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Alice Mashingaidze, said the country’s presence at the prestigious exhibition is a direct result of sustained diplomatic efforts.
“It is indeed a great moment for Zimbabwe to be exhibiting for the first time at the JAGD & HUND exhibition in Dortmund, as a result of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement strategy,” Ambassador Mashingaidze said.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the 2026 exhibition was facilitated through collaborative efforts between the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Germany and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, positioning the country on a key global platform for wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting.
Chief Ecologist (Terrestrial) at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), Mrs Roseline Mandisodza, said the European market plays a crucial role in sustaining Zimbabwe’s hunting industry.
“The German and broader European market is very important because it generates significant revenue and helps promote our wildlife products. This platform allows us to better understand market expectations so that our policies and conservation strategies are informed by market needs,” she said.
Zimbabwe is exhibiting alongside regional partners Botswana and Namibia, reflecting strong cooperation within Southern Africa in promoting sustainable wildlife utilisation and conservation.
Europe, including Germany, contributes approximately 40 percent of Zimbabwe’s hunting revenue, making it one of the sector’s most critical markets.
The European market is largely driven by big game hunting, an area where Zimbabwe holds a competitive advantage, offering species such as elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo.
The exhibition, which officially opened on Wednesday, brings together conservation practitioners, policymakers, outfitters and industry stakeholders from across the globe to deliberate on sustainable wildlife management, biodiversity protection and conservation-led development.
Zimbabwe’s hunting industry remains among the most established in Africa and, following the lifting of international embargoes on the trade and transportation of hunting trophies, the sector has strong potential to generate millions of dollars in revenue while supporting community-based conservation initiatives.
