Harare, (New Ziana) – The Harare Metropolitan Province will on Wednesday and Thursday host a major Investment and Business Conference aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting sustainable investment, and positioning Harare as the premier business hub of the country, a government official has said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the permanent secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cosmas Chiringa, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa said the conference comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe’s economic and urban development.
“This conference comes at a critical juncture where Harare, as the gateway to national development, is positioning itself as the country’s leading hub for sustainable investment,” he said.
The conference, to be held at the Heritage Village in the capital, will bring together investors, policymakers, business leaders, and to be attended by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mtuli Ncube, will explore opportunities across key economic sectors.
Themed “Building Bridges, Accelerating Investments Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030,” the two-day event is expected to showcase viable projects in sectors such as housing and urban renewal, smart cities, digital infrastructure, waste management, roads, water and sanitation, renewable energy, industrialisation, tourism, health, and education.
Tawengwa said the investment network aims to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue between the private sector and government.
“We are opening up space for dialogue, for collaboration, and most importantly, for delivery. It will be held in a hybrid format to ensure wide participation, both physical and virtual,” he said.
The conference also comes at a time when the city is undergoing significant changes under Operation Restoration, a cleanup and enforcement drive led by the Harare City Council, aimed at ensuring compliance with business regulations and restoring order in the capital.
In recent weeks, several non-compliant businesses have been closed as part of the operation around the Central Business District.
Tawengwa emphasised the importance of compliance in business operations to drive economic growth.
“We want all our businesses to comply to the laws that are enacted and we expect every business entity in Harare Metropolitan to comply,” he said.
Statistics from the Harare City Council show that a total of 1 830 businesses were closed in the city as of last week since the Operation CBD Order Restoration started.
New Ziana
