By Evans Dakwa
As the Second Republic deepens its drive to attract investment into the country, the Matabeleland South hybrid investment conference is underway at the prestigious Zebra Hilltop in Beitbridge as the province seeks to leverage on the resources available to lure investment into the Rainbow province.
The Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu welcomed delegates to the three day investment indaba organised by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) as she expressed elation at the opportunity accorded to her province to showcase its immense potential to would be investors, chronicling an outline of what the province is all about.
“As we gather here today, we are not just representatives of different industries and sectors, we are pioneers, innovators, and change-makers. We are here to shape the future of our Provincial and ultimately, our national economy, to create new pathways to growth, and forge enduring partnerships which would assists us achieve a greater vision of being our Rainbow Province. Matabeleland South, is the gateway to South Africa, the largest economy in Southern Africa and our biggest trading partner. Through the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth in South Africa,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu implored delegates to use the opportunity to complement the clarion call by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is Open for Business and for Zimbabweans to lead in the building of the country and propelling it towards Vision 2030 by providing solutions to challenges.
“Over the next two days, we will engage in insightful discussions, explore cutting-edge ideas, and network with like- minded individuals. We will share the latest trends from the countries you are currently resident, the challenges that you face as you seek to invest back home, and success stories, and we will discover new opportunities for collaboration and investment. We expect you to proffer some of the solutions to our challenges we have in the Province and Country as a whole,” she said.
“Let us embrace this opportunity, let us engage, and let us shape the future of our economy and nation together. To our Diasporans, as well as our local investors, we welcome you and appreciate your interest in Matabeleland South Province. We are committed to providing a conducive environment for your investments to flourish, and we look forward to working with you to create a brighter future for all, through attaining an upper middle income society status by the year 2030 as envisioned by our President, His Excellency Cde Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa.”
The Mat south round of the Diaspora investment conference is running under the theme, “Matabeleland South Province, Unlocking New Investment Frontiers through Diaspora Community Engagement”, and seeks to bring together potential investors both foreign and local
.