By Evans Dakwa
The Matebeleland South Investment indaba and expo has kicked off at Beitbridge’s Zebra Hilltop with a clarion call for stakeholders to prioritise collaboration and innovativeness as key pillars towards transforming the economic fortunes of the Rainbow province.
The two day Investment indaba, running under the theme “Unlocking the future:showcasing resources and boundless opportunities”, is bringing together business people, local and central Government and the Zimbabwe’s diaspora community with the aim to unlock the full potential economic of the province.
Giving his welcome remarks to delegates, the Acting Provincial Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richmond Ncube underscored that Matebeleland South is strategically located and endowed with natural resources ready to be exploited by willing investors.
” Matebeleland South stands as a key investment hub strategically positioned as a gateway to regional trade and economic growth, the expo and indaba is a deliberate effort to bring together stakeholders from various sectors including government, private sector, civic society, the academia to explore ways of unlocking our province’s economic potential, today we gather to dialogue and highlight the province’s rich resources, ” he said.
The indaba aligns and dovetail with the second republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind in Zimbabwe’s economic development trajectory towards vision 2030 plan of transforming the nation into a middle income economy by the aforementioned year.
Mr Ncube noted that despite the province’s endowments, it faces unique challenges that require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Representatives from Plumtree Town Council, Beitbridge Municipality and the Provincial administrative capital Gwanda kicked off proceedings sharing with delegates the vast Investment opportunities available within their jurisdictions. Notable investment opportunities are available as highlighted, tourism development, infrastructure development across board in various compartments including commercial, recreational, housing, health and education.
Their Rural District Council counterparts also had the opportunity to share projects ready to take in investors anyday.
Expectations are high among stakeholders that the two day investment indaba which ends tomorrow, wilbe able to unlock new investment and ensure the province maximize its potential.