Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE should leverage the upcoming third Russia–Africa Summit as a negotiating platform with potential investors to translate ideas to action, to facilitate turning around key economic sectors, experts have said.
At a Russia-Africa Summit Roundtable Meeting yesterday in Harare, the experts commended the Second Republic for creating a conducive business environment to attract investors under the “Open for Business” mantra.
This year’s summit is scheduled for Moscow on October 28 and 29 and will run under the theme “New Chapter in Partnership of Equals”.
Economist Dr Langaton Mabhanga urged players in the tourism sector to implement mechanisms to attract Russian tourists to Zimbabwe and match the quality of service provided in Russia as a developed and high-technology country.
“Russia is one of the leading tourism destinations globally. The summit should be used to market our safaris and game, and partnering with Russia means we will need to drive our tourism with skills.
“We need to drive our tourism skills that match the first world economy like Russia as a high-technology country. This should translate ideas to action to the benefit of several sectors,” Dr Mabhanga said.
Zimbabwe and Russia have negotiated a visa-free travel aimed at boosting passenger traffic between the two countries.
Energy expert Mr Edzai Kachirekwa said there was need for the country to look for more investments in the energy sector as the current total production no longer matches the gross domestic product.
“We need to be realistic with our energy. Zimbabwe is now a $60 billion dollar economy and we are generating very little than the size of the economy. We need more energy because every investor is looking for dependable power and nuclear power is the way to go,” Mr Kachirekwa said.
He said there is need for Government to negotiate with Russia for its technology, expertise and highly skilled personnel in nuclear energy generation.
Mr Sergey Karamaev, a research fellow at the Group of Regional Political Problems of the East and South, indicated that while it was possible for Zimbabwe and Russia to negotiate nuclear energy, he said deploying it had complex demands.
“Deploying nuclear energy is a complex demand, it requires a long term perspective and needs at least 20 years. Russia’s technical expertise in this area will be key for Zimbabwe. We also need to focus in other areas like mining or geology.
“Russia is there to help Zimbabwe have a single and consolidated geological map and train Zimbabweans with expertise in that field,” Mr Karamaev.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries chief economist Dr Cornelius Dube said to attract Russia’s expertise and technical skills, the Education 5.0 heritage-based curriculum should be enhanced.
“There are opportunities that Zimbabwe should translate from the expertise and opportunities that Russia present,” Dr Dube said.
The event, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), was also attended by officials from the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and academics.
ZBC Head of News and Current Affairs Mr Effort Magoso said industry, Government and academia should continue conversations that push strategic partnerships for Zimbabwe and promote strategic interest in the national interest.
