Andile Tshuma, Zimpapers writer
ZIMBABWE’S efforts to deepen investment and mobilise domestic capital require a more financially literate population capable of understanding how capital markets work and making informed decisions, the Zimbabwe Capital Markets Academy (ZCMA) has said.
As the country seeks to broaden participation in its financial markets, the academy is taking capital markets education to Gweru through a seminar aimed at demystifying investment and exposing individuals and businesses to opportunities beyond traditional savings.
The Gweru Capital Markets Seminar, set for November 20 under the theme “Zimbabwe capital markets rising: Smart investing in the City of Progress,” will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, students and members of the public.
ZCMA programmes officer Mr Zvikomborero Mutsindiri said improving financial and capital markets literacy was critical to enabling more Zimbabweans to participate meaningfully in the formal investment ecosystem.
“Capital markets can appear complex to the ordinary person, yet they offer opportunities for individuals and institutions to preserve and grow wealth while also providing businesses and the economy with avenues for raising capital,” he said.
Mr Mutsindiri said the Gweru seminar was therefore not simply about introducing investment products, but about helping people understand how markets function, the opportunities available and the risks that come with different investment decisions.
“Our focus is on giving people practical knowledge so that they can make informed investment decisions rather than simply following trends or investing without understanding the instruments they are putting their money into,” he said.
Capital markets provide mechanisms through which savings can be channelled into productive investment, allowing companies and other entities to raise funds while giving investors opportunities to participate in economic growth.
However, limited financial literacy can prevent individuals and businesses from taking advantage of these opportunities, while also exposing inexperienced investors to avoidable risks.
The Gweru seminar will explore the state and outlook of Zimbabwe’s capital markets, smart investing strategies for individuals and institutions, and opportunities in equities, bonds and alternative investments.
Discussions will also examine the role of capital markets in financing local economic development, as well as regulatory and investor-protection frameworks.
Mr Mutsindiri said taking the conversation to Gweru was significant given the city’s economic position within the Midlands Province.
“Gweru is an important economic centre with businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs and young people who can benefit from greater access to capital markets knowledge. We want to contribute to building a culture where people understand that investment is not only for large institutions or wealthy individuals,” he said.
The seminar follows a similar capital markets engagement held in Bulawayo in July, reflecting ZCMA’s efforts to broaden its outreach beyond the country’s traditional financial centres.
The academy believes wider participation in capital markets could contribute to increased domestic investment, support business growth and strengthen the mobilisation of local savings for economic development.
