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Business Reporter
Zimbabwe is participating for the third time in the US-Africa Business Summit, which is currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The summit which is being hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has brought together over 1 000 business representatives, government officials, entrepreneurs, investors and decision makers from every region in Africa, the United States and beyond.

This is the first time the event is being hosted outside the US. The Zimbabwean delegation, led by Mr Tinashe Rwodzi, chairman of the American Business Association of Zimbabwe (ABAZ) comprises of representatives from ABAZ, ZimTrade, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, the Chamber of Mines, insurance sector, tourism and other sectors, and various other sectors of the economy.

In addition, several ministers are attending. Mr Rwodzi expressed optimism that participating in the summit will present an opportunity to promote Brand Zimbabwe to the international audience. The theme for the delegation is “Think Investment – Think Zimbabwe”.

“Our presence has made a huge statement and the initiative is sending a positive message about the potential we have as a nation. We are utilising the summit to showcase Zimbabwe as an attractive investment destination, share information on investment opportunities and promote Zimbabwean services and products.

“The summit is a unique opportunity to network with the pre-eminent decision makers and leaders in African investment, all in one place, at the same time,” he said.

The four-day Business Summit, will feature insightful plenary sessions, sector-focused panels, country-specific forums, peer-to-peer roundtables, site visits, exhibitions and networking opportunities.

The delegation will, on Wednesday host a dedicated two-hour Doing Business in Zimbabwe forum where they will make presentations and market Zimbabwe as a prime investment destination, in addition to holding side meetings with all interested parties.

Since 1997, CCA’s US-Africa Business Summit has been regarded as the essential conference for doing business in Africa. Zimtrade is the head sponsor of the delegation and the Zimbabwe session.