The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and Africa Exhibitions Group (AEG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening sport, wellness and youth development in Zimbabwe, in a partnership that will culminate in the hosting of the Africa Sports and Wellness Expo in 2026.

The signing ceremony took place at the SRC Board Room in Harare, bringing together senior officials from the SRC, representatives of AEG, government stakeholders and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, AEG Chief Executive Officer,  Samuel Mapfungautsi, described the partnership as a significant step towards building a healthier and more competitive nation through sport and wellness.

“Today we do not simply sign an agreement. Today we unlock a national sporting and wellness platform. We energise a movement for wellness and activate new pathways for Zimbabwean sport,” said Mapfungautsi.

He said the partnership reflects a shared vision to empower communities, particularly young people, through structured sport and wellness systems. Mapfungautsi highlighted Africa’s youthful population and growing wellness challenges as key reasons why such initiatives are critical.

“Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a median age of around 19 years. Zimbabwe shares in this youthful energy, but this potential will only be realised if we intentionally build systems that identify, nurture and elevate that talent,” he said.

Mapfungautsi also announced that the Zimbabwe chapter of the Africa Sports and Wellness Expo will be held from 13 to 15 August 2026 at Newlands Country Club in Harare. He said the event will bring together athletes, sports associations, schools, academies, wellness experts, regulators and private sector players.

“This landmark event will create a dynamic marketplace where brands, sponsors and innovators meet those driving talent development and industry growth in Zimbabwe’s sports and wellness ecosystem,” he said.

He added that the initiative will include keynote addresses by sports legends, live coaching sessions, wellness demonstrations, talent scouting opportunities, a sponsored marathon and an awards dinner.

A major component of the partnership is the commercialisation of the SportsAqua mineral water brand, which will serve as the official hydration partner for the Africa Sports and Wellness Expo.

“SportsAqua is more than a bottled water brand. It is an impact vehicle. Through this partnership, it will support sports development, inspire wellness education and contribute to the rehabilitation and maintenance of sports infrastructure, especially in rural and marginalised communities,” Mapfungautsi said.

In his opening remarks, SRC Acting Director General  Peter Mudzimiri welcomed the partnership, saying it aligns with the SRC’s mandate to promote inclusive participation in sport and recreation.

“Today’s ceremony represents a shared commitment to purpose, impact and national development. The MoU we sign today lays the foundation for collaboration that will culminate in the hosting of the Africa Sports and Wellness Expo, a flagship initiative that speaks directly to the SRC’s mandate,” said Mudzimiri.

He said the partnership goes beyond elite sport and focuses on community engagement, healthy lifestyles and the social and economic value of sport.

“This mandate goes beyond the elite performances that we often celebrate. It embodies inclusion, access, healthy lifestyles and community engagement,” he said.

Mudzimiri also noted that the SportsAqua partnership reflects the spirit of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which encourages public institutions to engage in innovative public-private partnerships.

“The SRC/AEG MoU signing ceremony marks a new chapter in the SRC value creation trajectory. Achieving nationwide participation in sport and wellness cannot be done by the SRC alone. It requires strong and credible partners,” he said.

He added that the partnership is aligned with national development priorities, including Vision 2030, which seeks to build a healthy, productive and socially cohesive society.

“Sport and wellness are not peripheral to this agenda, they are central to building a healthy and productive nation,” Mudzimiri said.

Both parties expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver tangible benefits for communities and contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s sports and wellness ecosystem.

“Our potential is unmatched. Together, we will build a healthier, stronger and more empowered Zimbabwean sporting and wellness community,” Mapfungautsi said.