British investors explore Zim opportunities

Published: 07 June 2015

A nineteen-member delegation of British private investors - led by Invest Africa - is expected in Zimbabwe today to explore investment opportunities in the country.

The visit is on the back of a United Kingdom (UK) government-sponsored one in October last year.

Invest Africa - a global private members club with a multi-service platform for access and investment into the continent - is sponsoring the mission, comprising 12 companies from various sectors.

Catriona Laing, British ambassador to Zimbabwe, said the visit "is a signal that there are investment opportunities here".

However, she said there is need for Zimbabwe to intensify efforts on investment policy clarification and reforms, matched by good political will in order to attract more foreign direct investment.

"It is my hope that this will be forthcoming and Zimbabwe will see the benefit that foreign direct investment brings," said Laing.

The mission, on a three-day working visit, is scheduled to network with senior government ministers, captains of industry and commercial sector leaders in which they will gain useful insight of the market and engage with potential commercial partners.

The major highlight of the visit will be the signing of a deal between a UK business and the Zimbabwe government, which is expected to create employment in a local rural community.

Meanwhile, Invest Africa - led by South African entrepreneur Rob Hersov, former Barclays Plc boss Bob Diamond and one of Africa's youngest billionaires Ashish Thakkar - is returning to Zimbabwe after its initial trip in February 2014.

"Our group felt compelled to return on the back of the inherent potential that Zimbabwe's economy displayed," it said.

"On our trip in 2014, a major investor in the agriculture space…saw a window of opportunity and now has significant operations on the ground, making a major contribution to long-term employment.," said Invest Africa, adding that "we hope to have the same impact this time around".

The Invest Africa mission comes after several business delegations from European countries such as France, Denmark, Sweden and Netherlands visited Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities.
- dailynews

Tags: Zimbabwe,