malvernmugadzikwa
Business Writer
A high-level French business delegation arrived in Zimbabwe Wednesday morning, seeking to explore investment and partnership opportunities.
The delegation, composed of senior officials from 16 leading French companies, is scheduled to meet with government officials, business organisations, financial institutions and State investment agencies, well-placed sources, who chose to remain anonymous citing diplomatic protocols told this publication
Notable companies participating in the delegation include Alstom, a global leader in sustainable mobility, represented by Philippe Delleur, senior vice president of Public Affairs.
France’s national geological survey firm BRGM is represented by Eric Gomez, area manager for southern and Eastern Africa.
Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification is represented by Stéphane Gaudechon, vice president, CMA-CGM, a leading shipping and logistics company is represented by Carolyn Kathewera, regional director.
Cobasa, an investment consulting firm is also participating and is led by Henri De Villeneuve, chairman and CEO, while Fressinet, A specialist in civil works, represented by Grégoire Jeanson, business development director.
HDF Energy, a developer of clean, high-power energy storage solutions, is represented by Nicolas Lecomte, directors.
The delegation is set to meet with key Zimbabwean entities, including the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), the Mutapa Investment Fund, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) as well as the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
“These meetings aim to foster stronger business ties between France and Zimbabwe, identify potential areas for collaboration, and explore investment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and technology,” a senior official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said.
The French business delegation’s visit to Zimbabwe marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to re-engage with the international community and attract foreign investment.
France is a member of the European Union (EU), which had imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in the past.
In 2023, the EU removed some individuals, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and former First Lady Grace Mugabe, from its targeted persons list.
Currently, there are no individuals on the targeted list.
However, in February 2024, the EU renewed sanctions on Zimbabwe Defence Industries, a state-owned arms manufacturer.
The EU has emphasised that these sanctions do not target the Zimbabwean people, economy, foreign direct investment, or trade.
Bongani Ndlovu