BUSINESS expos organised by the Zimbabweans in the Diaspora Organisation (Zido), set to take place in South Africa and the United Kingdom in May and October this year, are poised to open new opportunities for local businesses, organisers have said.
In an interview with NewsDay Business, Zido chief executive officer Blessed Kapesa said his vision was to turn the event, dubbed the Zimbabwe Business Expo, into a premier global feature.
He added that he was also planning to expand the platform to more countries, ensuring Zimbabweans abroad were equipped with the knowledge needed to invest back home and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
“Our goal is to bring the Zimbabwe Business Expo to as many countries as possible where Zimbabweans reside,” Kapesa said.
“We want to create a lasting impact by ensuring that our people, regardless of where they are in the world, have access to the right information and networks to invest back home.”
The inaugural edition of the expos was held in the United Kingdom in October last year and it has already become a vital resource for Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
The event offers direct engagement with government representatives, financial experts and successful businesspeople, providing valuable insights on investment opportunities across various sectors.
“Many Zimbabweans in the diaspora want to invest back home but lack the necessary information or fear of the unknown,” Kapesa said.
- National interest problematic: Zanu PF told to start own media houses
- Dorcas Moyo UK-bound
- Queen's doctors concerned for her health - palace
- Stanbic targets diaspora property investment
Keep Reading
“Through this platform, we are demystifying the investment climate, addressing concerns and ensuring that the diaspora community plays an active role in rebuilding our economy.”
With the UK edition having set a strong foundation, South Africa is preparing for an even larger event on May 24, organisers said.
Kapesa is confident that the expo will become a key driver of diaspora investment.
“We have seen tremendous interest and participation from business leaders, investors and government officials,” he said.
“This proves that the Zimbabwe Business Expo is not just an event, but a movement that is set to transform how the diaspora engages with Zimbabwe’s economy.”
The diaspora community invests in Zimbabwe through remittances which are estimated to be nearly US$2 billion annually.
As the expo continues to grow, Kapesa remains committed to ensuring that Zimbabweans abroad are informed, connected and empowered to make meaningful contributions to the country’s economic development.
