The Government has moved to calm tensions surrounding the long-running lease dispute involving Chewore Safari Lodge in the Zambezi Valley, saying it has opened dialogue with all parties in a bid to reach a lawful and balanced solution.
Chewore Lodge, which has been operating in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS), has been at the centre of a legal battle after a High Court ruling in March 2025 declared its lease agreement invalid. The judgment required the lodge operator to vacate the property by June 2025.
An appeal was later taken to the Supreme Court, which recently upheld the earlier ruling, effectively clearing the way for the eviction to proceed.
In a statement released on Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife confirmed that it has since engaged all stakeholders involved in the matter. These include the lodge operator, ZIMPARKS and other interested parties, with the aim of finding a solution that respects the law while safeguarding investment confidence.
The ministry said discussions held so far have been constructive, with all sides indicating willingness to resolve the issue quickly and fairly. Government stressed that any outcome must align with existing legal and policy frameworks.
Reaffirming its position, the ministry said Zimbabwe remains open to investment and is committed to protecting investors, even as it enforces compliance with national laws governing land use and wildlife management.
