THOUSANDS of visitors from around the world are expected to sample Zimbabwean rabbit meat at the upcoming Victoria Falls Food & Wine Festival, as the country positions rabbit production as a flagship agricultural and culinary product on the continental and global stage.
The international festival will run from October 8 to 11 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination, bringing together chefs, food producers, artists and cultural practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
Speaking ahead of the event, Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association president Regis Nyamakanga said the festival offers a strategic platform to showcase both rabbit meat and the wider rabbit value chain.
“This festival gives us a powerful opportunity to introduce rabbit meat to an international audience while marketing Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry, which is one of the most organised and developed in Africa,” Nyamakanga said.
He said rabbit meat aligns strongly with modern consumer trends because of its health benefits, sustainability and efficient production cycle.
“Rabbit meat is healthy, sustainable and well suited to today’s consumer demands. By placing it alongside world-class cuisine at an international festival, we are positioning Zimbabwe as a serious player in alternative livestock production,” he said.
Festival organiser Patrick Musonza said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage, with strong international participation already confirmed.
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“We have confirmation from more than 10 African countries participating in the 2026 edition of the festival,” Musonza said.
He said the 2026 Victoria Falls Food & Wine Festival theme, ‘Flavours of Africa: Innovation, Sustainability and Cultural Exchange’, reflects a broader vision of food as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural diplomacy and regional integration.
“The theme reflects our commitment to positioning food as a driver of economic growth, cultural diplomacy and regional integration,” Musonza said.
He added that the festival is deliberately aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and 2, particularly through its focus on value addition, agro-industrialisation, youth participation, creative industries, tourism development and cross-border trade.
“Through food, wine, culture and the creative economy, the festival supports Agenda 2063’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and people-driven Africa, while advancing Zimbabwe’s NDS priorities on tourism growth, agricultural value chains, job creation and export-led development,” Musonza said.
The multi-day festival will feature live cooking demonstrations by leading chefs, food exhibitions, wine tastings, cultural performances, fashion showcases and curated experiences designed to promote culinary and experiential tourism.
“Set against one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, the festival will showcase Africa’s creativity, innovation and cultural richness,” Musonza said. “Victoria Falls provides a unique backdrop that elevates the experience and attracts a truly global audience.”
He added that the festival also aims to foster cross-border collaboration by encouraging the exchange of ideas, flavours and traditions through shared culinary and cultural experiences, while strengthening Africa-to-Africa trade and cultural linkages.
