Trip to Europe in search of new industries

The Rhodesia Herald,

November 28, 1962

A PARTY of Rhodesian businessmen is expected to leave the Federation for Europe in March in a bid to persuade industrialists to set up factories in the Rhodesias.

The delegation which will be selected by the Federal branch of the Institute of Directors, has the backing of Voice and Vision, and the patronage of the Federal Government.

The British Institute of Directors is drawing up a list of European industrialists who are genuinely interested in establishing plants in the Federation.

Mr J. N. Baines, secretary of the Federal branch of the Institute of Directors, said that the trip is a “do-it-your-self” venture to make a case to overseas industrialists to establish industry in the Federation where there is a ready and growing market.

The main purpose of the trip is to encourage industries that do not at present exist in the Federation, and the venture has the support of both the Federal and Territorial Governments.

Although the delegates have not yet been selected, it is understood they will consist of three Europeans and possibly an African.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The delegation represented a concerted effort by Rhodesian businessmen, supported by governmental structures, to attract foreign investment during a pivotal time in the history of the Federation.

The success or failure would have had profound effects on both local economies and broader geopolitical relations in Southern Africa.

The delegation aimed at attracting industrial investment to the Rhodesias, which included Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Nyasaland (now Malawi).

The initiative reflects the economic strategies employed during the period when these territories were under British colonial rule and later during the Federation – 1953 until 1963.

During this period, there were significant challenges including political instability, racial tensions, and international scrutiny regarding colonial practices.

These factors would have influenced both the success of such delegations and the willingness of foreign investors to engage with Rhodesian markets.