Transform Africa Summit brings brisk business to Vic Falls

THE past week has been one of the busiest periods in Victoria Falls when the country’s tourism capital hosted one of the biggest events in its history, the 6th Edition of Transform Africa Summit (TAS).

Organisers said the event attracted about 4 000 delegates from across Africa, among them a record five Heads of State comprising Presidents Mnangagwa, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and His Royal Majesty, King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The last time Victoria Falls hosted such a big event was in February 2020 during the 6th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (AFRFSD), which was attended by 3 000 delegates from Africa and beyond.

Zimbabwe becomes the first country to host TAS outside Rwanda which hosted the previous five editions, an indication of renewed interest in Zimbabwe by the world. It also affirms the success of the Second Republic’s policy of engagement and re-engagement.

TAS is the leading African tech and digital event organised by Smart Africa which gathers over 5 000 delegates from more than 100 countries to engage in the digital transformation of the continent across multiple sectors.

Heads of State, who constitute Smart Africa’s board, ministers, international industry leaders and key players in the ICT were the delegates to the three-day event which ran from April 26 to April 28 under the theme “Connect, Transform and Innovate.”

The summit was aimed at making core decisions for Africa’s socio-economic development through ICT.
The Heads of State, 44 ministers and 4 000 delegates comprising innovators and information communication experts drawn from about 100 countries converged under one roof to discuss regulation and policy, digital infrastructure financing, capacity building and skills development as well as digital continental trade among other key aspects.

The positive impact of the summit was felt by ordinary residents of the resort city of Victoria Falls.
Private homeowners recorded brisk business as they provided accommodation to spillovers. Hotels and lodges filled up resulting in some delegates seeking accommodation from residents who converted their houses into facilities offering bed and breakfast.

Eateries had good business too and for the better part of last week, local supermarkets ran out of food in their restaurants while major fast food outlets with international brands were kept on their toes as scores of people made beelines for the food.

Business was also at its peak for local taxi drivers as they continuously ferried delegates from one point to another in their quest to have a feel of Victoria Falls outside their hectic conference schedules.

Some tour operators reeling under the effects of Covid-19 literally sprang to their feet as the organisers of the event hired fleets of mini-buses to ferry delegates and service providers from one point to another.

Scores of people who were rendered jobless because of Covid-19, were temporarily employed by the organisers of the conference to provide different services.

They were employed to do ushering, pottering, driving and offering security among other duties.
Some residents also hired out their television screens, which conference organisers wanted to use to screen their sessions, which ran concurrently with the main event.

Street vendors selling airtime, traditional clothes and curios among other items were not left out as they also benefited.
Nightlife in the resort city re-ignited as evidenced by a hive of activity at night spots.

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somvelo Dlamini said the summit rekindled life in the city.
“We are just coming from Covid-19 and as such many people and businesses are still feeling the effects of the pandemic so having a conference of this magnitude is encouraging,” he said.

Clr Dlamini said residents and businesspeople were thankful to Government for allowing such conferences to come to Victoria Falls.

“Such big business meetings enhance growth as they boost revenues for the tourism industry while creating employment for locals,” he said.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said the beauty of the city and the friendliness of its people comes with diverse opportunities.

Smart Africa Alliance chief executive Mr Lacina Kone said Zimbabwe’s hospitality is unmatched.
Officially opening the summit on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa invited delegates to sample activities in Victoria Falls.

“I once again invite you to take time off your busy schedules to visit Victoria Falls which is one of the natural wonders of the world and other activities, it’s very attractive,” he said.–@ncubeleon