Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter
THE Shelter Afrique 41st Annual General Meeting, which kicks off in Victoria Falls today, presents a huge opportunity for local authorities such as Bulawayo to lure potential investment for its Makokoba and Ascot Racecourse re-development projects.
Zimbabwe, through Shelter Afrique, is set to host 45 African countries in Victoria Falls to deliberate on housing financing on the continent.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the gathering today under the theme: “Climate Change and the Built Environment”.
Major international financiers, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank and other developers have confirmed participation including at least 25 reserve bank governors from the continent.
The country is a shareholder of Shelter Afrique, a pan-African banking institution that exclusively supports the development of affordable housing and real estate sector growth in Africa.
In an interview with Business Chronicle, Minister of Housing and Social Amenities, Daniel Garwe, said: “The key benefit is access to affordable finance from Shelter Afrique and that is the benefit we want all our local authorities, developers and banking community to have a share.
“There are credit facilities that Shelter Afrique is extending through the government of Zimbabwe to provide sustainable housing.”
The minister said the country was ready to host the conference and would seek to maximise on its.
According to Bulawayo City Council’s latest monthly report, the Ministry of Housing and Social Amenities wrote in May urging the City of Bulawayo to attend.
“The City of Bulawayo’s participation at the Shelter Afrique is of paramount importance as it would present an opportunity to showcase the investment opportunities available in the city in terms of housing development, showcase green and sustainable housing initiatives and source potential investors for the Makokoba re-development project and the Ascot Racecourse re-development,” reads part of the report.
“It would be key for the City of Bulawayo to exhibit as the AGM would be attended by more than 500 delegates mainly drawn from housing delivery at a higher level.
“More than 50 exhibitors drawn from international, regional and local entities would be exhibiting, which forms a networking hub and offers face to face lead generation and business development opportunities.
“Thus, it would be an opportunity to attract potential buyers, investors and collaborators with interactive demonstrations. It was an ideal platform for entities to explain, present and answer questions in detail in a relaxed environment.”
Shelter Afrique is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and has 45 member countries as well as three institutional investors, the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Reinsurance Company (Africa RE) and the African Solidarity Fund (FSA).
The AGM will be attended by ministries of housing and reserve bank governors drawn from 45 countries.
Experts from the built environment, finance sector and climate change, among others are expected to attend.
The exhibition is earmarked for 100 local and foreign exhibitors.
It will provide an opportunity for Government departments, parastatals and private sector to showcase best practice, new products, create linkages as well as share expertise in the spirit of promoting the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra.
Shelter Afrique held its 36th AGM in Victoria Falls and their return after five years, which demonstrates the renewed interest in Zimbabwe, provides a window of opportunity for the Government to leverage in shaping the narrative towards robust human settlement delivery strategies.
Last year, Zimbabwe assumed the first vice chair of the Shelter Afrique Bureau and will succeed Cameroon as chair during this week’s AGM.
Online Reporter