Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’s hunting industry has gained international recognition following a strong showing at Europe’s largest hunting and conservation exhibition, the Jagd und Hund Fair in Dortmund, Germany, which concluded on Sunday.
The expo, marking Zimbabwe’s first participation, provided a platform for the country to showcase its well-regulated hunting industry and attract investment from international markets. Officials and industry players said the event strengthened business networks and promoted sustainable wildlife management practices.
“I have been hunting in Zimbabwe for 24 years and spend a lot of time there. I’m originally from Austria and I’m also the Vice President of the International Professional Hunting Association. Zimbabwe is a great country. I have done business there for many years and I have always been welcomed as a foreign investor. The wildlife is exceptional and the people are friendly and polite. We are here presenting hunting opportunities in Zimbabwe, and European hunters are happy to go there because it is a very safe country. Zimbabwe offers Big Five, free-range hunting, and when you hunt, you contribute to conservation. Hunting revenue is critical to preserving wildlife for future generations in Zimbabwe and the world,” European professional hunter Mr Westfalia Jagdreisen said.
“Hunting in Matetsi is a great experience. The professional hunters and guides are highly skilled, and the camps are excellent. We enjoyed the forests, the landscape, and of course, Victoria Falls. As a company, we highly recommend Zimbabwe for big game hunting, and we continue sending clients there,” Namibian professional hunter, Harm Wortman added.
Zimbabwean professional hunter, Mr Mark Russell, said the expo provided an opportunity to promote the country’s well-regulated hunting industry.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to participate at this expo. Zimbabwe’s hunting industry is thriving and is governed by clear laws. Germany, Russia, and the United States are among the top hunting markets for Zimbabwe, and we encourage others who wish to hunt to visit the country.”
Zimbabwe’s participation at the 2026 exhibition was successfully facilitated by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Germany, in partnership with the International Council for Game and Wildlife, as part of efforts to enhance the country’s global visibility.
The European market, including Germany, contributes approximately 40 percent of Zimbabwe’s hunting revenue, making it a key growth area for the sector.
