Zimbabwe, named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes Magazine, is home to Unesco-recognized locations such as Victoria Falls and the Matobo Hills. “The Falls are one of the seven wonders in the world,” said Ellias Mutamba, the Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, in an exclusive interview with The Standard.

The consulate, in collaboration with the Metropolitan University, will be bringing local students abroad in May to explore the great nature of Zimbabwe. These cultural exchanges strengthen the country’s reputation as a welcome, open destination. “People-to-people exchanges are integral as they encourage people to learn from each other’s experiences,” he said.

Mutamba hopes to collaborate with more higher education institutions and introduce Gastronomy Tourism – an initiative driven by the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxilia Mnangagwa, who advocates that local flavors are key to knowing a destination.

“There is an official dedicated to tourism and cultural promotion, which is testament of how much we look up to tourism,” Mutamba added. 

Apart from educational programs, Mutamba is collaborating with InvestHK to stimulate trade and interchange in the metropolis. “We have already agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding, encouraging business from Hong Kong to Zimbabwe,” he said, “as it is the President’s mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business.” 

Located in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe holds over 60 different minerals including platinum, chrome, and lithium. Mutamba would like investors to tap into these natural resources.

Zimbabwe, HK bond over shared histories, commitment to peace

Zimbabwe and Hong Kong share a similar history, both once under British rule and each a melting pot of rich cultural heritage. When Mutamba was appointed to Hong Kong in 2022, he felt “very much at home.”

When asked if Hong Kong embraces Zimbabwean culture, Mutamba said people are “very curious and positive.”

The Africa Center – organized by the consulate – hosts food nights, monthly book club meetups and art events, inviting all to this inclusive, multicultural space.

As a global peacemaker, Zimbabwe was among the 33 founding countries that signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in May 2025. Headquartered in Hong Kong, IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental organization to resolve disputes through mediation. “Zimbabwe is friends to all, enemy to none,” Mutamba said.

This is a step forward for Zimbabwe in maintaining good relations with all parts of the world, including Hong Kong and China. “Zimbabwe and China enjoy cordial relations which date way back,” Mutamba said. “And with Hong Kong being a part of China, it is a part of the story.”