Zim hailed as a safe investment destination

Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter

A visiting Nigerian real estate investor Dr Kingsley Azonobi, who is in the country to scout for opportunities has commended Zimbabwe as safe investment destination despite its negative portrayal by some sections of the international media.

Dr Azonobi who is the chairman of the Domak Group, said this after meeting with Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency acting chief executive officer, Mrs Duduzile Shinya, at the agency’s offices yesterday.

“It was a great meeting with the CEO of ZIDA getting to know more things on areas of investment to ZIDA perspective. We came in four days ago and have gone around Harare but today’s presentation gives us more insight into other areas of investment,” he said.

“We came here with the mindset of investing in real estate, affordable housing, but we have been told that there are other opportunities in farming and mining and we will consider that as well.

“The environment is good, security, it’s secure, the country is peaceful, it’s far from what we see in the media. It’s just a simple and wonderful country.”

He added that they would soon register a local company and open an office as they establish operations.

Mrs Shinya said their meeting was productive and said there were good prospects for partnership

“They are keen on affordable housing which of course is an area that has need for the country and citizenry and there are several projects that we have been looking at because there is a backlog in the number of houses we need so there is a good opportunity for us to partner and find land and put up some structures,” she said.

Also present at the meeting was Ambassador Hillary Emoh the principal partner in Leaders Without Borders Centre and advisor to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi of UAE on investment in Africa, who also said Zimbabwe had great opportunities especially in mining.

“That’s why I am here to facilitate investment for Zimbabwe,” he said.

Zanu PF director for economic affairs Cde Anastancia Ndhlovu said the influx of foreign investors was testimony of the success of President Mnangagwa’s Zimbabwe is open for business mantra.

“This shows that the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra is gaining traction and in a short space of time President Mnangagwa has made Zimbabwe a destination of choice,” she said.