Online Reporter
Online Writer
MORE than 200 young people from across Southern Africa, who have benefited from various United States-sponsored educational and entrepreneurial programmes, are gathered in Victoria Falls for the Sadc United States Exchange Alumni Summit.
The USA Alumni is a gathering of alumni from USA Department of State programmes, whose overarching goal is to capacitate and empower the next generation of African leaders. The summit began with a reception on Wednesday evening and will conclude on Friday.
It is being held under the theme “Regional Alumni Connections: Advancing Sustainable Solutions to Global Challenges” and aims to strengthen business ties, foster collaboration, and explore new opportunities for growth in the region. Participants include young people drawn from entrepreneurial and fellowship programmes, as well as civil society from ten Sadc countries.
During the welcome reception hosted by the National Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe, Exchange Alumni Association Zimbabwe chair Mr Ben Jarmaine Ncube urged Zimbabweans and Sadc residents to seek collaborations.
In his welcome remarks, Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo stated that the event is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to fostering partnerships.
“I am proud to announce that the City of Victoria Falls recently earned accreditation as a Wetland City, joining a distinguished group of only 31 cities worldwide that have received this honour. This significant recognition underscores the city’s commitment to conserving the environment and promoting sustainable development.
“As a city, we are committed to safeguarding our unique ecosystems and promoting biodiversity on an international platform. This summit aligns perfectly with these goals as it brings together alumni who share a common vision of fostering innovative solutions to global environmental challenges,” said Councillor Moyo.
NMBZ customer services officer Mr Leonard Zanovhi emphasised that the region is endowed with vast natural resources that need to be combined with human resources.
“What binds these resources together is leadership. We need leaders who can marshal resources, plan, identify skills, devise strategies, and unite people to effect transformation and address poverty.
“We are excited to partner in such an initiative in Zimbabwe and the region. Let’s engage in robust conservation, exchange ideas, and create lasting relationships,” he said.
Guest speaker and host, United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont, noted that the summit is the first of its kind, focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and skills development to foster grassroots changes. She mentioned that about 100 Zimbabweans benefit from exchange programmes annually.
“This is the essence of people-to-people diplomacy, and thousands apply for these programmes every year to gain a free trip to the USA. Whether in technology, medicine, urban planning, or entrepreneurship, they make connections, enhance their skills, and reinvest in their communities. The USA is proud of that,” she said.
Ambassador Tremont added that approximately 15,000 people benefit from such programmes around the world, with over 2 million people living off these fellowship initiatives.
“This is the first summit of its kind, and we are exceptionally proud that you are all with us this week. We hope that everyone will bring energy and enthusiasm. We learn from each other, finding people who can assist you in achieving your goals. We see this as support to ensure you have the best experience possible,” she said.
