Online Reporter
Peter Matika
THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and innovation linkages with Zimbabwe, with a strong focus on empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering globally competitive industries.
Delivering a keynote address at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Innovators Forum in Bulawayo yesterday, the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, said this year’s theme, “Connected Economies: Competitive Industries,” underscores the importance of collaboration in driving modern economic growth.
“In 2026, no economy thrives in isolation. The most competitive industries are those that connect, connecting ideas to markets, talent to opportunity, and local innovation to global impact,” she said.
Ambassador Tremont commended ZITF organisers for successfully hosting the forum over the past three years, noting that the US Embassy has deliberately increased its participation as part of efforts to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
She highlighted the visit of US tech-entrepreneur Ms Bronwyn Morgan, a veteran of global firms such as Procter and Gamble and Coca-Cola, as a key component of efforts to bridge innovation ecosystems.
Ambassador Tremont said Ms Morgan has been engaging Bulawayo’s technology community through discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technologies at innovation hubs, including Uncommon Hub, Bulawayo Tech Hub and Oasis Hub.
“At each stop, she has forged connections between American innovation and Zimbabwean ingenuity,” she said.
She said opportunities exist for Zimbabwean innovators, particularly with emerging technologies like AI and autonomous systems transforming sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing.
“In agriculture, AI-enabled drones can monitor crop health and boost yields, while in healthcare, AI is improving early disease detection. These are global tools that can work anywhere there is talent and determination”.
Ambassador Tremont also underscored the importance of exchange programmes and partnerships with local institutions, singling out ZB Financial Holdings for its role in advancing innovation through collaborative initiatives.
She applauded local innovation leader Mr Patrick Maseko for driving technological advancement within the banking sector, noting that exposure to international networks helps build sustainable enterprises.
As part of ongoing engagements, the US will host several innovation-focused events, including the Bulawayo Enterprise Showcase, a “Shark Tank”-style pitching platform for emerging entrepreneurs and the Freedom 250 Founders Museum exhibition at the National Gallery in Bulawayo.
