adminSymposium.
The conference will be held on February 7 at the Crowne Plaza Monomotapa Hotel in Harare.
The symposium, now in its third year, is aimed at providing local companies with a global outlook to assist in strategy formulation for 2013.
It will also provide a platform to discuss key issues affecting the global and Zimbabwean economy and businesses, against the background of lessons from last year’s symposium.
Speakers will include Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Tapiwa Mashakada, DZHL chief executive Mr Anthony Mandiwanza, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Kumbirai Katsande, Delta Corporation former chief executive Mr Joe Mtizwa, economist Professor Tony Hawkins, director and founder of AfrAsia Kingdom Mr Nigel Chanakira, chief executive of Southern and Central Africa Standard Bank Ms Pindi Nyandoro and Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Guvamatanga.
Herald Business (HB) spoke to Mr Johnson Manyakara (JM), Mandel’’s chief executive about the forthcoming event.
HB: Could you begin by explaining your partnership with GIBS?
JM: The Mandel/GIBS partnership is founded on a recognition that strategically, there is no sound business logic for Mandel to reinvent the wheel in the area of management and leadership development. The Gordon Institute of Business Science has won honours in this space over the years and hence the partnership. After all “eagles only fly with other eagles.”
HB: What is the significance of this year’s conference and what makes it different from the previous symposia now that you are running the event for the third year?
JM: First and foremost the theme of the symposium “Leveraging Opportunities and Taming the Economic Jungle”, is different from the themes in previous years.
There is also a deliberate focus on a prognosis in the emerging markets, where Africa is at the heart in terms of GDP growth and markets in which organisations in Zimbabwe are increasingly doing business in.
Finally, participation by GIB’s top thought leaders is much more pronounced for the benefit of delegates.
HB: What was the selection criteria of your speakers? It seems the same speakers that we normally have at such fora are the same that you will be having. Don’t you think there is need to introduce new speakers with a different approach to economic issues?
JM: Four out of the eight presenters at this year’s symposium are new and, in addition, some of the speakers we had in previous years, are back by popular demand.
It is also not merely about just having new faces but about which presenters have demonstrated clear capability to refresh their thoughts around issues to constantly bring different perspectives to the discourse for the benefit of the nation.
HB: Some people say the time for symposia in Zimbabwe is over and now want action. What is your comment?
JM: I fully agree action is key, but it has to be informed action otherwise this will not get us anywhere.
The only constant in today’s global economy is change — changing trends, changing opportunities, changing threats and so on.
Symposiums like this bring together really top thought leaders to give delegates new perspectives and therefore inform strategic planning which is the basis for informed action and value creation.
HB: How many people or companies are you targeting for this conference?
JM: We are targeting 250 delegates
HB: What benefits could be derived from attending the symposium?
JM: Basically, given the timing of the symposium, it breathes renewed impetus in the Zimbabwean economy. In particular, delegates will get perspectives that inform strategic planning and or assist with the refinement of existing plans. It will also enhance organisational capacity to think globally while acting locally and provide delegates an opportunity to influence national economic policy direction.
HB: Your theme, “Leveraging Opportunities and Taming the Economic Jungle — Government Perspective”. How does it fit into the country’s key economic policies?
JM: The theme recognises that there are plenty opportunities out there globally, in emerging markets and in Zimbabwe. It also recognises that there are also major challenges.
The theme attempts to focus the symposium on how to leverage these opportunities and manage the challenges in a manner that benefits Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround efforts
HB: I am sure many people would be interested in the conference since it will be a major economic gathering before the expected general elections. Do you share the same view?
JM: Indeed, this is a conference not to be missed
HB: What would be your advice to individuals and corporates intending to attend the event?
JM: My advice is that individuals and corporates should register early and in big numbers, to take advantage of the “early bird” and volumes discounts.
Online Reporter