Story by Memory Chamisa
ZIMBABWE is on track to meet its global commitment to achieving food security, sustainability and agricultural innovation.
This emerged at the launch of the Zimbabwe Lounge at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, this Monday.
The lounge is the first room Zimbabwe has acquired at any of the United Nations buildings across the globe.
It not only exhibits Zimbabwe’s culture and art, but also stands as a mirror reflecting the daily lives of the country’s farmers, whose stories are embedded in every grain, herb and dish on display.
“What they have done to the lounge is beautiful, from the designs to some of the food that we have tasted here, all is great,” a participant said.
“I am definitely coming to Zimbabwe with my family. What I saw on the virtual video made me feel like I was at Victoria Falls. This was beautiful,” another noted.
“This is beautiful, I loved the creativity, the material and the tea I tasted was good. The stories that are being told by the designs on the walls are also encouraging and the food too is good,” a participant stated.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, who was representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighted how the lounge offers an immersive journey that depicts the country’s diverse indigenous food systems, culinary and biodiversity.
“As we open the Zimbabwe Lounge today, we also open a door to our heritage, our innovation and our shared humanity. Let this space be a lasting symbol of the power of food, not only to nourish, but to teach, to connect and to inspire transformation. We invite you to experience Zimbabwe with your eyes, your heart and your plate,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is proud of its longstanding collaboration with the FAO. Our partnership spans decades and continues to grow stronger. Together, we have promoted climate-smart agriculture through programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, supported smallholder farmers and youth-led enterprises. Advanced nutrition and food security through community-based initiatives like Business Units and preserved and promoted indigenous crops and agro-biodiversity.”
“FAO has stood with Zimbabwe during times of hardship, droughts, economic shocks, and the ongoing fight against climate-induced food insecurity. This collaboration has strengthened the capacity of our rural communities, particularly women and youth, to adapt, innovate, and be more resilient.”
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General, Dr Qu Dongyu commended the Zimbabwean government for taking up the room, which will not only make the country visible through its displays but also show Zimbabwe’s agriculture story.
“I want to thank the Republic of Zimbabwe for your contribution to the establishment of the Zimbabwe lounge which I am so delighted to officially open today. The lounge provides a lovely setting for the people of Zimbabwe, distinctive flavours and history and learning about the interlinkage between food, culture and nature. The room serves as a venue for staff, officials, events and cultural activities at the time, thereby enhancing the organisation’s facility.”
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry brought the colour to the lounge through its designs on the walls from the national bird, the mbira instrument, winnowing baskets and the national fabric, which some of the guests loved.
The lounge will bring visibility to Zimbabwe and comes at a time the country has been named the 2025 world’s best country to visit by Forbes magazine, a renowned global publication.
