Tinotenda Hove – Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, has announced plans to pursue a high-profile tourism partnership with English Premier League giants Arsenal FC, a move officials say could boost the country’s global image and attract foreign investment.

However, the proposal has already sparked debate, with critics questioning its practicality and long-term value to ordinary citizens.

Zanu PF online activist Levison Chambati said on Tuesday that talks surrounding the potential deal were progressing well, describing Arsenal’s reported interest as a major breakthrough for Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions.

“Arsenal FC’s interest in Zimbabwe is a clear signal that our nation is ready to compete on the global tourism stage,” Chambati said. “This partnership would put Zimbabwe on the map for millions of fans worldwide and attract serious foreign investment.”

Despite the optimism, tourism analysts and observers remain unconvinced. One analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that the country has a track record of announcing grand projects that fail to deliver meaningful outcomes.

“Zimbabwe has a history of flashy deals that never translate into real benefits,” the analyst said. “Without serious improvements in infrastructure, service delivery and governance, this risks becoming yet another symbolic agreement with little impact on the ground.”

The proposed arrangement is reportedly modeled on Arsenal’s high-profile “Visit Rwanda” sponsorship, which has helped promote tourism in the East African nation. Zimbabwe is said to be considering an investment of about US$42.9 million to support a similar initiative.

While government officials point to provisional tourism earnings of nearly US$1 billion in 2025 as evidence of progress, critics argue that the sector remains plagued by mismanagement, poor service delivery and limited accessibility for most citizens.

“This is not just about branding or visibility,” the analyst added. “It’s about whether Zimbabwe can actually deliver a quality tourism experience. Without reforms, the risk of wasting public funds is very high.”

Concerns have also been raised about the timing of the proposed deal, as many Zimbabweans continue to struggle with rising living costs, economic instability and underfunded public services.

“The ordinary person is unlikely to benefit from this kind of arrangement,” said one local resident. “It ends up being another headline-grabbing announcement while people on the ground see no change.”

While a partnership with a global football brand like Arsenal could bring international exposure, observers caution that without structural reforms and accountable implementation, the initiative may ultimately reflect ambition without impact.