Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
THE inaugural two-day Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex) kicks off in Bulawayo today where stakeholders are expected to deliberate on potential investments and how to enhance trade from the sector.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company hosts the event under the theme:
“Solid Foundation. Stronger Future — Exploring Linkages in the Infrastructure Value Chain”.
ZITF chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said the thrust of the event was to buttress Zimbabwe’s transformative infrastructure drive, which has seen the country making significant strides in the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, power transmission, ports, housing and water utilities.
He said the growing public investment into Zimbabwe’s commercial construction sectors presents a key market opportunity for companies operating in the built environment value chain.
“All is now set for the inaugural Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Conference (AfriConfex), which will take place this Thursday and Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, in Bulawayo,” said Dr Ndebele
“AfriConfex 2022 will, therefore, provide a platform for distinctive opportunities for knowledge exchange, business expansion, networking and learning within and across the value chain.”
He said a packed programme has been drawn up to highlight key successes, highlight opportunities and discuss challenges with a view to drawing actionable resolutions at the highest level.
The event is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and is being initiated at a time when the Government has embarked on several high impact infrastructural development projects aimed at achieving a middle-class economy by 2030.
Dr Ndebele said at least 300 delegates representing diverse interests including both the public and private sector are expected to attend the showcase.
“The programme will be industry-led with case studies expected from local contractors and companies on the opportunities presented by Public-Private Partnerships as a means to improve infrastructure systems and service standards,” he said.
“Discussions will also spotlight learnings from success stories such as the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Railway company.”
He said the main conference and official opening of AfriConfex will take place on Friday and will be a culmination of the preceding day’s deliberations.
“The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Felix Mhona will be the guest of honour.
“The event is expected to provide a high-level discussion forum for contractors, industry and commerce, regulators, academia and policy makers, to have discussions, which will influence practice and policy,” said Dr Ndebele.
Infrastructure development has been one of the major keystones of Government’s development strategy, with almost every area being spruced up to aid economic growth.
This have seen construction and rehabilitation of dams and roads in deferent parts of the country. — @SikhulekelaniM1
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