Building the Foundation: How the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company is Transforming Tourism Infrastructure

With the establishment of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company under the 2026 Tourism Bill, a new strategic direction has been set for the sector. As a state-owned holding company, its primary mandate is to improve tourism infrastructure through foundational development, purposefully avoiding direct competition with private operators to foster a more robust investment environment.

Developing Enabling Infrastructure

The company's core focus is the implementation of essential service infrastructure that serves as the backbone of any successful tourism destination. Rather than investing in the construction of tourist facilities themselves, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company is tasked with the critical work of building and maintaining roads, electricity networks, and sewer systems. By providing these basic utilities, the company ensures that the fundamental requirements for high-quality tourism are met.

Preparing Special Economic Zones

A key pillar of the company's mandate is the management and preparation of designated areas, such as the Masuwe Special Economic Zone. The company is responsible for readying this land by installing vital services, transforming undeveloped areas into viable, "plug-and-play" sites for large-scale investment. This preparation reduces the initial hurdles for developers and accelerates the timeline for new projects.

Empowering Private Investors

Crucially, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company will explicitly not construct hotels or similar competitive assets. Its sole purpose is to lay the groundwork, providing the necessary infrastructure backbone so that private operators can focus their capital and expertise on building and running successful businesses. By acting as an enabler rather than a competitor, the company creates a supportive ecosystem where private investment can thrive.