Information key to unlocking investment – official

Bulawayo (New Ziana) – Availability and easy access to relevant economic information such as business opportunities and regulation is critical in attracting investment to Bulawayo province, an official has said.

In an interview, permanent secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Paul Nyoni said the availability and easy access to relevant information allowed potential investors and stakeholders to be better informed and quickly make investment decisions.

He was speaking on the sidelines of an investment conference in the city, which drew participants from different economic sectors as well as potential local and foreign investors.

“One key issue which was raised in this conference, especially by diasporas was the availability of key information. There are a lot of opportunities in the region as well as potential investors and what we need to do is to provide information that will link them up,” he said.

Nyoni said the province would hold such engagements regularly and use online platforms to disseminate information so that those with appetite to invest in Bulawayo province can have access to information and make informed decisions.

“Going forward, we are going to have these engagements regularly and use our online platforms to link these initiatives together so that those who have the appetite to invest in Bulawayo can get the information they required to make informed decisions,” Nyoni said.

He said the platform was an eye opener, adding that he was excited that potential investors from Vembe district in South Africa’s Limpopo province had shown keen interest to explore investment opportunities in Bulawayo province.

“I think a big lesson that we learnt today from this conference is the availability of key information. We (are) excited about our counterparts from Vembe district in Limpopo province of South Africa who are keen to have more information regarding investment opportunities in Bulawayo province, and that has started a conversation with ZimTrade,” he said.

By providing information, Nyoni said, it will encourage investors who are waiting on the side-lines to develop interest and come on board.

“I believe current investors lead the way. When current investors expand their businesses and recapitalise, it encourages those on the sidelines to come on board,” he said.

Nyoni underscored the need for provinces to form synergies as they rely on one another.

New Ziana