Innovating Kariba: Transforming Governance and Community Life

Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. Mayor Ralph Nyasha Maoneyi of Kariba Municipality, Zimbabwe, introduces Kariba as a tourism-driven town with a rich history linked to the Kariba Dam.

He discusses key service delivery initiatives, including the Polyclinic and school expansions, challenged by only 12% devolution fund disbursements, leading to local resource reliance.

The economic downturn and tourism decline are tackled with a revival strategy focusing on airport upgrades, road rehabilitation, and private-sector-led accommodation and adventure zones.

Digitally, Kariba innovates with a chatbot for complaints or requests, a GIS system for mapping, and a housing module for profiling, boosting transparency and planning.

Looking ahead, Maoneyi sees opportunities in water, energy partnerships, investment, and city-to-city diplomacy for smart, sustainable growth.