‘Public-private partnerships key to economic growth’

Patrick Chitumba

ZIMBABWE’S socio-economic success hinges on the collective efforts of its citizens, businessman and WestProp Holdings chief executive officer Mr Kenneth Sharpe has said.

Addressing the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Midlands Awards ceremony held in Gweru last week, Mr Sharpe said there was need for collaboration involving the Government, business and citizens to achieve a common goal.

“It’s no secret that we have faced economic challenges in recent years, including high inflation,” he said. “These challenges have hampered business growth and job creation. However, I am firmly convinced that we can overcome these obstacles and build a brighter future, but I cannot do it alone and you cannot do it alone. Collaboration is essential for our success.”

Mr Sharpe said he totally agreed with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe Lakhiwa ngabaninilo”. Building on the President’s vision, Mr Sharpe urged Zimbabweans to reorient their mindset towards development.

“We should appreciate that no outsider is going to come to address our challenges. We are our own saviours and as such, we should start working together now,” said Mr Sharpe.

He said to build a thriving economy, stakeholders have to work as a team to create an enabling environment for business to flourish.

The collaboration, Mr Sharpe said, could take many forms, including public-private partnerships, where the public sector can create the required environment and provide the infrastructure that businesses need to operate effectively.

“The Government can invest in improving roads, bridges and other such infrastructure, thereby creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate,” he said.

“As WestProp, we have partnered the City of Harare to develop The Hills Lifestyle Estate. This is a US$300 million project that will have a state-of-the-art golf course and luxurious apartments — a first in Zimbabwe.”

Mr Sharpe said the company recently broke ground at the project site and works will be commencing soon.

This, he said, was one example of how public-private partnerships can bring immense benefit to the country and be a stepping stone to a thriving economy. Mr Sharpe said collaboration can also be in the form of inter-industry partnerships, whereby businesses within the same industry can collaborate to share knowledge, resources and best practices.

“This can lead to improved efficiency, productivity and competitiveness,” he said. “I usually joke about how our competitors in the real estate development sector are inspired by our work.

“Most of them are now using our ‘live, work, shop and play’ template. We welcome this competition as it means we are doing something right as a company that is worth emulating.”

Some of the notable winners during the awards ceremony were Dr Gerald Zhou, the chief executive of Inclusive Financial Services, Mrs Albertina Manyembere of Parkview Junior School and Mr Trevor Shaw, who got a lifetime achievement award.