THE SPROUT RESTAURANT CONNECTS VISITORS TO SUSTAINABLE SPORTS TOURISM IN HARARE

Zimbabwe’s travel and hospitality landscape witnessed a historic evolution today as His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened The Sprout, a premier restaurant at the Geo Pomona Waste Management site. The opening signals the birth of a unique “green” tourism hub, proving that environmental restoration can create a world-class destination for both domestic and international visitors.

A New Frontier in Sports and Eco-Tourism

The Sprout is far more than a dining venue; it is the centrepiece of a revolutionary recreational precinct. Flanked by a FIFA-certified football pitch—the only one in Zimbabwe built to such international standards—and professional tennis courts, the site is now a flagship for Sports Tourism.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, emphasized that this integration is key to the sector’s growth. “When people come to enjoy sports activities, they always want to eat. The interjoining of the two is what we call sports tourism,” she explained. Minister Rwodzi noted that such facilities are essential for growing domestic tourism, encouraging Harare residents and visitors to explore local hospitality gems that contribute directly to the national GDP.

Redefining the “Leisure Visit”

During the official luncheon, President Mnangagwa highlighted the site’s transformation from an environmental hazard to a scenic leisure destination. Recalling his previous visit, he spoke of the site’s newfound charm as a place for families and couples:

“I previously said this place is so beautiful you could bring your loved one here… Today we are here to have a luncheon at this beautiful restaurant. I have no doubt that The Sprout will serve as a symbol of progress and adds another feather in the hat of our well-performing tourism and hospitality industry.”

The President noted that the 115-seat capacity restaurant, now open to the public, offers a “modern ambience” that rivals top-tier international establishments. He urged the hospitality sector to continue this momentum by sourcing fresh produce from local farmers, ensuring a truly authentic Zimbabwean culinary experience for tourists.

The Future of Sustainable Travel

The transformation of the Pomona Industrial Development Corridor into a tourism-friendly zone aligns with Vision 2030, turning what was once a “fly-infested” dumpsite into a clean, modern landmark. Geo Pomona CEO Delish Nguwaya remarked that the project restores the dignity of the community by unlocking socio-economic value from spaces once written off as unusable.

By blending environmental responsibility with high-end hospitality, The Sprout stands as a testament to Zimbabwe’s innovative approach to tourism—where sustainability and leisure meet to create a vibrant new experience for the modern traveller.