Online Reporter
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE offers significant opportunities for responsible investment as it is evolving to become one of the most attractive destinations in Africa, enterprenuer and academic Professor Kudakwashe Taruberekera has said.
In an interview from Addis, Ababa, where he is attending the United Nations Global Compact Conference, Prof Taruberekera, who is the founder and chief executive officer of Craft Properties Holdings, also said African governments and investors need to tap into the continent’s growing population, which presents “a tremendous investment opportunity”.
“Zimbabwe remains open for responsible investment and offers significant opportunities,” he said.
“With the right partnerships and long-term confidence, Zimbabwe can become one of the most attractive destinations for sustainable investment in Africa.”
Innovation
Professor Taruberekera said innovative financing models, similar to those that had been adopted by Craft Properties, could have a multiplier effect on the economy by creating jobs, generating income and providing communities with quality infrastructure.
“We have developed an integrated land development and community financing model that uses revenue generated from property development projects to finance additional investments in housing, commercial infrastructure, education, security systems and other productive sectors,” he said.
The model, he added, has proven effective in contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including education, decent work, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable cities.
He believes the model can be replicated in the continent.
The company, which celebrates its 18th anniversary on Tuesday, has reportedly invested in schools that also provide quality education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship training and leadership development.
“We believe education is one of the strongest long-term investments any business can make because it develops future workers, innovators and leaders,” he said.
“Every project we undertake creates employment opportunities for dozens or even hundreds of families.”
Some of the areas the company has also invested in include infrastructure, technology and innovation, as well as residential housing, commercial centres, roads, security systems and mixed-use developments.
Sustainable cities
The company has since pivoted on building sustainable cities and communities, with a focus on organised settlements, access roads, community services, modern schools, secure environments and spaces that support both residential and commercial activity.
“Sustainable cities cannot be created by Government alone,” Professor Taruberekera added.
“They require strong partnerships with responsible private sector investors.”
Craft Properties Holdings claims that it is now leveraging on artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance security and sustainability in its developments.
“Our AI-powered security system ensures that our developments are safe and secure, providing peace of mind for residents and businesses … Our company has come a long way since its inception, and we are proud of our achievements. We will continue to innovate and invest in sustainable development, creating value for our stakeholders and contributing to the growth of Africa’s economy.”
He also highlighted that Zimbabwe has attractive investment opportunities in areas such as as mining, agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing, education, heath, real estate and technology.
The United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies to align their strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance societal goals. With 193 member countries, the United Nations Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.
Prof Taruberekera has also been invited to the Private Sector Forum of the 12th Edition of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (AFRSD-12), which runs from Monday to Thursday in Addis Ababa.
The forum, running under the theme “Forward Faster: Scaling Private Sector Partnerships to Accelerate the SDGs in Africa”, will bring together leaders from government, business, finance, development institutions and the United Nations to advance practical solutions for sustainable development on the continent.
