Rutendo Mazhindu -ZimNow Reporter
Zimbabwe has today deepened its cooperation with Algeria in culinary and hospitality training following a high-level bilateral engagement between Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi and her Algerian counterpart, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Houria Meddahi.
The meeting, held at the Algiers Higher School of Hospitality and Restaurants Management (ESHRA), was part of follow-up activities to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State Visit to Algeria.
ESHRA, widely regarded as Africa’s top institution in culinary arts and hospitality training, is being used as the model for Zimbabwe’s planned Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts.
“This is a critical opportunity for Zimbabwe to benchmark with the best on the continent. We are serious about developing a world-class culinary institution,” said Minister Rwodzi.
The two ministers agreed that Zimbabwe will send engineering and professional teams to Algeria for benchmarking exercises at ESHRA. They also resolved to implement a Training of Trainers Programme for Zimbabwean teaching staff in partnership with the school.
“These engagements are not symbolic. We want practical cooperation that leads to skills transfer, training and long-term capacity building in the hospitality sector,” Rwodzi said.
She added, “We are laying the foundation for a strong culinary sector that speaks to our culture, heritage and economic goals.”
The cooperation is anchored by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Zimbabwe and Algeria during the State Visit, covering tourism development and vocational training.
Minister Rwodzi confirmed that the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts will be established in Victoria Falls under the patronage of the Auxillia Mnangagwa, in collaboration with UN Tourism.
“The culinary academy will serve not only as a centre of excellence but also as a strategic tourism asset that attracts regional and international students and culinary professionals,” she said.
Algerian Minister Meddahi expressed her country’s full support stating that “We are ready to work closely with Zimbabwe to share knowledge and best practices.
ESHRA is open to hosting Zimbabwean experts and contributing to the country’s vision for gastronomy tourism.”
The developments mark a significant step in Zimbabwe’s goal to position itself as a competitive player in Africa’s culinary tourism sector.
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