Carl Joshua Ncube Launches Hospitality Academy at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel to Boost Zimbabwe’s Tourism Skills Development
Zimbabwean stand-up comedian and entrepreneur Carl Joshua Ncube is expanding his footprint in the tourism and hospitality sector with the launch of a new Hospitality Academy at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel. The initiative is aimed at strengthening skills development within Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry at a time when demand for trained professionals continues to grow. The programme reflects a practical response to industry challenges, especially in leadership and service delivery roles. It also positions training as a key driver for tourism growth in Zimbabwe. The launch has already attracted attention from industry stakeholders and aspiring hospitality workers seeking structured career pathways.
The Hospitality Academy officially launches this Friday and will run as an intensive six-week training programme designed to prepare candidates for real-world hospitality careers. The course focuses on core areas such as hotels, restaurants, events management, and guest services. It will be hosted at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel, located in Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel, which will serve as the central training environment for practical learning. The programme has been structured to combine theory with hands-on experience, allowing trainees to engage directly with operational hospitality settings. This approach is intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
According to Carl Joshua Ncube, the initiative responds directly to a shortage of experienced hospitality professionals in Zimbabwe, particularly in senior operational roles. These roles include positions such as General Managers and Executive Chefs, which are often difficult to fill with locally trained talent. He explained that the academy is designed to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers who can meet both local and international service standards. The focus is not only on technical ability but also on professionalism and consistency in service delivery. The long term goal is to raise the quality of hospitality leadership across the country.
The programme begins with a selection weekend where candidates will undergo practical assessments and hands-on exercises led by Ncube himself. Applicants will be evaluated on how they perform under pressure, how quickly they adapt to instruction, and how they apply creativity in realistic hospitality scenarios. This stage is intended to identify individuals who demonstrate strong customer service instincts and the ability to work in fast paced environments. The selection process ensures that only committed and capable trainees progress into the full programme. It also sets the tone for the discipline required throughout the training period.
Successful candidates will then attend an Orientation Day scheduled for 15 May at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel. During this session, trainees will be introduced to the academy’s structure, expectations, and professional culture. They will also receive detailed guidance on the six week training journey ahead and how assessments will be conducted. The orientation is designed to prepare participants mentally and professionally for the intensity of the programme. It also serves as the first step in building a strong work ethic and industry mindset.
The academy’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical training across multiple hospitality disciplines. Trainees will complete continuous assessment packs throughout the course to measure their progress and identify areas that need improvement. Housekeeping training forms a key component, focusing on room preparation, hygiene standards, presentation, and attention to detail. Culinary training will expose participants to kitchen operations, food preparation techniques, safety procedures, and consistent dish execution. The programme also integrates local culinary heritage to ensure trainees understand both global standards and Zimbabwean food culture.
Restaurant service training will teach students customer engagement, dining room coordination, service sequencing, and guest management skills. Participants will also receive instruction in coffee preparation and beverage service, including barista techniques, flavour profiling, and equipment maintenance. Additional modules cover front desk operations, events coordination, and banqueting management, preparing trainees for a wide range of roles within the hospitality sector. These combined skills are intended to produce well rounded professionals capable of working in different environments. The structure reflects the growing need for versatile hospitality staff in competitive tourism markets.
Beyond technical skills, the academy will also offer career guidance and mentorship to support graduates after completion of the programme. Participants who meet the required standards will receive reference letters endorsed by Carl Joshua Ncube, which can support future employment opportunities. The initiative aims to create long term career pathways rather than short term training outcomes. It also encourages professional growth within Zimbabwe while opening doors for regional and international opportunities. The mentorship component is expected to play a key role in shaping future industry leaders.
Carl Joshua Ncube has emphasised that the vision behind the academy goes beyond skills training and focuses on building discipline, leadership, and professionalism within the hospitality sector. He believes that excellence in hospitality is not only about technical knowledge but also about delivering consistent and memorable guest experiences. The academy is designed to instil these values through structured training and real world exposure. As Zimbabwe continues to develop its tourism industry, initiatives like this are expected to contribute to long term sector growth. The launch of the Hospitality Academy signals a practical investment in people, skills, and the future of Zimbabwe’s service economy.
