Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabweans in Diaspora Organisation (ZIDO) will be hosting a homecoming celebration and business summit for Zimbabweans coming home for the festive season as part of its continued efforts to open the country to various investment opportunities.
Dubbed the “Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Celebrations and Business Summit”, the event is a premier annual gathering that brings together the Diaspora community from across the globe to reconnect, collaborate and contribute to national development.
In October, the organisation drew cooperates, business leaders, captains of industry and politicians when it hosted the UK-Zim investment expo in Birmingham, United Kingdom, showcasing multiple lucrative investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
The celebrations, slated for Hyatt Regency hotel, in Harare on December 19 are running under the theme, “Coming Home to Build.”
In a statement, ZIDO chairperson Mr Blessed Kapesa highlighted the significance of the event in buttressing President Mnangagwa’s mantra of Zimbabwe is Open for Business and reaffirming the Diaspora community towards participating in the economic agenda.
“The event provides a powerful platform for investment promotion, business networking, knowledge exchange and celebrating the achievements of Zimbabweans abroad who continue to play a vital role in the country’s growth,” he said.
A key highlight of the celebrations is the award ceremony in which ZIDO has since opened nominations in various categories, “another thrill of the December summit is the Zimbabwe Diaspora Awards, created to honour Zimbabweans living in the diaspora who are making a meaningful impact through business, leadership, innovation, philanthropy and community development.
“These awards celebrate individuals who are transforming lives, uplifting communities and building sustainable enterprises both abroad and back home, their success stories inspire collective action and reflect the spirit of, “Coming Home to Build.”
Among some of the key nomination categories include the Best Travel and Transport Service Award, Excellency in Real Estate and Property, Best Social Media Personality Award, Inspiring Diaspora Returnee Award, Young Achiever Award, Outstanding Community Impact Award, Excellency in Fashion and Design Award, Male and Female Entrepreneur Award and many others.
At its core, ZIDO which has hosted various investment expos in UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe, aims to align diaspora investments with the national development goals such as employment creation, technology transfer and economic growth.
“Our investment expos have been key in educating the diaspora community on investment opportunities, legal frameworks as well as representing the interests of Zimbabweans living abroad in policy making, creating networks for collaboration with local investors, government and financial institutions,” added Kapesa.
Meanwhile, the organisation has made invitations to businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting during the summit where there will be an opportunity to showcase their brands, gaining visibility and connecting with the diaspora community.
