What do you think when you hear the word Disney? Is it Mickey Mouse? A film? A ride you once took? Or a story you once heard? Whatever the thought is, I’m pretty sure it’s a happy one. I’m also sure, however, that it did not include Victoria Falls, or Zimbabwe!
That is because up until now there has been very little relationship between Zimbabwe and Walt Disney. But a few days ago Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi announced that the Government was in negotiations for a $460 million project that would become ‘Disneyland in Africa’.
We’re not sure if this will be the name and only a few insights have been shared as to the specifics of what will be on offer. We can however tell you that it will be built on a 300 hectare land near the airport, and will have banks, entertainment facilities (Of which a casino is one), conference rooms and shopping malls.
Already investors from external countries have put forward enough money to fund the project, but Zimbabwe wants to make sure that the investment is a win-win. Job creation is important for the country as well as preserving the wildlife and natural surroundings of the beautiful Zimbabwe.
Knowing that Disney is filled with extensive researchers, I’m confident that the new Disneyland Africa will have little impact on the surroundings and bring a lot of good to the community and to the world.
