Vusumuzi Dube
Business Writer
THE Zimbabwe Business Networking Forum, a pivotal event co-hosted by Financial Markets Indaba and CBZ Holdings Limited investment forum in London last week aimed to spotlight investment opportunities across various sectors in Zimbabwe.
The forum featured compelling keynote addresses from senior executives, providing participants with in-depth insights into Zimbabwe’s evolving investment landscape.
Organisers said the primary objective was to forge connections between the Zimbabwean Diaspora and local stakeholders, creating an environment conducive to heightened investment activities.
“The UK Diaspora significantly contributes to Zimbabwe’s economy, with over US$500 million in annual remittances and direct investments.
“This forum underscored their critical role as an economic constituency, serving as a platform to enhance these investment flows for mutual benefit,” organisers said in a statement.
The highlight of the forum was the introduction of CBZ Holdings’ latest innovation, ZIKICash—a new remittance mobile and internet application that allows users to pay bills or deposit funds into their nostro accounts without needing to withdraw cash first.
The platform offers extensive payment options, including VISA, MasterCard, Zimswitch, and Ecocash, and supports a variety of transactions such as bill payments, tuition fees, and online shopping.
Additionally, CBZ Holdings has launched new Mortgage Finance products to aid Zimbabweans in the diaspora in securing property financing, overcoming challenges posed by their distant locations.
During the forum, Datvast managing director, Tendai Muzadzi shared insights on innovative portfolio management strategies and underscored the resilience of infrastructure investments in Zimbabwe, especially in retaining real value during hyperinflationary periods, and the added advantage of US dollar rental income in a dollarised economy.
Keynote speaker Lawrence Nyazema, Group CEO of CBZ Holdings Limited said Zimbabwe’s domestic market is undergoing significant changes, with a growing preference for value-added products, environmentally sustainable offerings, and an upmarket lifestyle.
“The rise in e-commerce, driven by increased internet penetration and changing consumer habits, further emphasizes the potential for digital market expansion. The tech industry in Zimbabwe is also thriving, with startups and innovation hubs reshaping the business landscape.
“ The country continues to attract foreign investment, particularly in the mining and agriculture sectors. Strategic trade partnerships are essential for market expansion, and the evolving supply chain dynamics, influenced by urbanisation and technological advancements, are shaping market operations. Zimbabwe is also aligning with global sustainability objectives, focusing on renewable energy, conservation, and eco-friendly practices to drive economic growth.”
Bongani Ndlovu