Zimbabwe to host Canada-Africa business conference; country not defined by its challenges – say organisers

By Agencies

Harare is set to host the prestigious Canada-Africa Business Conference this October, marking a significant event aimed at boosting trade and investment between Canada and Africa.

Organised by The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the two-day conference is scheduled for 15-16 October in the Zimbabwean capital and is expected to bring together leading decision-makers from Africa and Canada for networking and information-sharing.

“Zimbabwe has never been defined by its challenges, but its potential. Success stories are too often not articulated, nor understood,” said the Chamber’s board chair Sebastian Spio-Garbrah.

“It is my privilege as Chair of the Board to welcome the Republic of Zimbabwe and its great private companies – who are excellent counterparts for Canada’s dynamic business sector in SADC and beyond.”

Fred McMahon, Director: Economic Freedom of the World, Fraser Institute added; “The challenges Zimbabwe has faced are not unique to Zimbabwe.

“With proven reforms we’ve researched, there is no reason Zimbabwe could not become one of the most economically free and prosperous nations on earth.

“I look forward to our scheduled engagement through the Chamber with leaders in this wonderful country.”

The Canada-Africa Business Conference has a rich history of fostering economic ties, with the most recent one held in the Kenyan capital Nairobi in February hailed as a ‘great success’ in Canada’s Parliament.

It was followed by the inaugural Canada-US Forum for African Partnerships in Washington DC in May.

The upcoming conference in Zimbabwe will focus on key sectors such as energy, mining, information technology and education.

Additionally, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency has indicated that the country would use the conference to promote its tourism, manufacturing and agriculture sectors as key opportunities.

This conference is expected to further strengthen Canada-Africa economic relations and explore new avenues for collaboration.