Trump govt OKs Zimbabwe trophy hunting

The Zimbabwe safari industry has received a major boost after getting a United States of America (USA) waiver to export hunting trophies.

The USA ban on safari exports from Zimbabwe had created challenges for the local safari industry in terms of profits as the American market accounted for a huge portion of export receipts.

However, following consultations involving local stakeholders and the USA regulatory authorities, a breakthrough has been achieved.

In a telephone interview from London, the UK, Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe President, Mr Emmanuel Fundira confirmed the latest developments, saying the local sector is now waiting for the formalisation of the decision by the USA.

For the past three years, export receipts from the hunting industry had dropped as a result of the USA ban, with regulatory authorities seeking alternative markets in Asia to offset the declining revenue portfolio base.