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Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to fully exploit the high-level three-day continental technology and digital event — Transform Africa Summit (TAS) scheduled for Victoria Falls to showcase its investment opportunities, promote its economic potential, attract new investments into the country and push for the removal of sanctions, a Cabinet minister has said.
TAS, which is in its 6th edition, is set for April 26 to 28, and would run under the theme: “Connect, Innovate, and Transform.”
Organised by Smart Africa, the summit is expected to underline the commitment of African Governments towards accelerating Africa’s digital agenda.
Close to 3 000 delegates from over 100 countries are expected to engage on the digital transformation of the continent across multiple sectors.
In her post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said her Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services counterpart, presented before Cabinet on the status of preparations for the Transform Africa Summit
“The Summit aims to enable Member States to become more competitive, adaptive, open and innovative smart economies.
“This will result in the most favourable business climates that attract large-scale investments, reward entrepreneurship and enable fast growth and exports through ICT innovation and development,” said the minister.
According to TAS website, President Mnangagwa and his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame, chairman of the Smart Africa Board are scheduled to headline the summit.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the summit has been designed to foster constructive conversation towards building a Smart Africa.
“It will also facilitate meetings of like minds seeking policy and collaborative opportunities to accelerate the continent towards digitally fostered socio-economic transformation.
“The summit provides a perfect platform for the country to further buttress calls for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed by the West, she noted.
Added to that it avails an opportunity to showcase vast investment opportunities available.
“The nation is also being informed that the event will provide an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its investment opportunities, promote its economic potential and attract new investments into the country not only for the ICT sector but for the broader economic spectrum as well.
“The Summit is a platform to buttress the engagement and re-engagement drive and push for the removal of sanctions that are an albatross to the technological development and advancement of the nation,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The presence of 3 000 delegates from over 100 countries is also an opportunity for local businesses to make big business in services such as accommodation, transport, restaurants and entertainment.
“This will increase the much-needed foreign currency inflows into the country.”
“Preliminary reservations and block bookings have been processed and commitment letters have been dispatched. Invitations to Heads of State have been despatched through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.”
An Inter-Ministerial Organising Committee has been set up and is working closely with the Smart Africa Secretariat in preparation for the successful hosting of the Summit.
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