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Manicaland Correspondent
MUTARE will this month host the inaugural Manicaland Investment Opportunity Public Private Partnership Conference aimed at increasing the flow of investment into the Eastern Highlands and promoting economic development in Zimbabwe.

Speaking on the event, Chartered Institute of Project Managers Zimbabwe executive director Dr Proctor Nyemba said recent meetings with foreign investors brought to the fore the huge gap that existed in investment at provincial level.

“After a recent meeting with the Korean investors, we realised there was a huge need to engage local investors for development within the province,” he said. “Foreign investment is a nationwide agenda, but there is also need for local investors to go it alone at provincial level.

“This gives provincial ministers something tangible to report back at national level concerning the 100-day work plan and as it stands, provinces are already hungry for investment.”

The conference, which will run under the theme: “2018: Spurring Economic Development through Investment in Zimbabwe in support of New Economic Dispensation”, will be held on February 23.

Hosting of the conference comes after a series of visits in the SADC region by President Mnangagwa to declare the country open for business. Several investors have already shown interest in investing in the province, owing to its closeness to the Beira sea port.

The conference will focus on promoting potential investment opportunities that exist throughout rural authorities in Manicaland, looking at basic infrastructure development, transport infrastructure, business transportation and workforce development.

The main purpose of this conference is to encourage private sector investment in the areas of rural economic development and natural resource conservation.

Stakeholders will explore ways to develop partnerships that create jobs, grow small businesses and invest in critical rural infrastructure. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Monica Mutsvangwa will be the guest of honour at the highly anticipated event.

Also expected to grace the occasion are leaders from the business community and financial institutions, senior government officials, rural economic development experts and others from across the country. Experts from the business and investment community will also discuss emerging trends, business opportunities and capital models.

The Manicaland Investment conference will be followed by a series of similar conferences in different provinces across the country, with Matabeleland South hosting the second conference on February 28.