Inspiring the Next Generation
The Zimbabwe edition of the Future Leaders Challenge is more than a competition, it is a one-day journey of learning, mentorship, and inspiration. Students will attend workshops, join a job market fair, and take part in networking sessions designed to help them take their first steps into the hospitality and tourism industry.
Built on the principle of community over competition, the Challenge ensures that while one team will represent Zimbabwe globally, every participant leaves with new insights, professional connections, and inspiration for their future career.
“Zimbabwe has an incredibly vibrant young talent pool, and this Challenge gives them the chance to demonstrate their creativity and vision on a global stage,” said Hubert Ummels, Founder of the GameChangers and Future Leaders Platform. “The MEA Future Leaders Challenge allows us the unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals and establish the region as a catalyst for cultivating a highly skilled hospitality and tourism workforce.”
“This initiative reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to empowering our youth and strengthening the country’s role as a future hub for sustainable tourism,” said Luckson Zambuko, Co-Founder of the African Youth in Tourism and Hospitality Association and Member of the FLC Zimbabwe Strategic Board.
Programme Overview
Throughout the one-day event, students will participate in:
Guided by National Leadership
The Zimbabwe edition is guided by a distinguished Strategic Board of leaders from across hospitality, tourism, and government, ensuring alignment with national priorities and industry needs.
Government and Industry Cross-Collaboration
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, and leading private sector stakeholders are working closely with academia and industry leaders to shape the Challenge. Their collaboration helps align academic training with workforce needs, strengthen the talent pipeline, and ensure that hospitality and tourism continues to be a driver of Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
Impact and Scale of the Initiative
The inaugural FLC Zimbabwe represents a significant milestone for the country’s hospitality and tourism industry. Bringing together eight institutions, senior government representatives, and industry executives, the Challenge demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable talent development, and future-ready workforce strategies.
This milestone is made possible thanks to the support of leading partners including:
Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to long-term workforce development and youth empowerment in the region.
Part of a Global Journey
Zimbabwe joins the growing MEA Future Leaders Challenge movement, which is expanding across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Winners from each national and regional edition will participate in the Global Finals in Dubai in 2026, presenting their innovative solutions on a world stage.
From Harare to Dubai, the journey of Zimbabwe’s future leaders begins today.
Media Contacts
Mike Richters
