COMMENT: Let’s share notes, clinch deals as we mingle with the best

When the spotlight is shone on the dance floor, it behoves those on the stage to put their best foot forward, to rhythmically sway to the sound of the beat lest they miss out on an opportunity to be noticed. And indeed notice is the key word this week as focus is on the country in more ways than one, what with the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo and the Victoria Falls Carnival this weekend. And to top it all, the very week our Rugby Under-20 side qualified for the World Cup.

Many nationalities have converged on the country, driven by varying economic interests, testimony to the mantra, “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”.

These are events to be celebrated since they shine the light on what is taking place in Zimbabwe and they are quite key in selling not only our tourism product but also in highlighting the strides that the country has made in many sectors, among them the sport, arts and innovation, science and technology. 

It is against this background that we urge citizens of this country to be on their best behaviour and be the naturally welcoming, hospitable people that they are known the world over for. That is a reputation that took long to build and it should not be taken for granted that it shall stay permanently without concerted efforts to maintain it.

There is a reason why businesses and artistes from around the region and the world keep coming to this country. It makes business sense for them.  Let us also make our interactions with businesses from outside, with artistes from outside the country, count as we exploit business linkages and also make follow-ups after local conferences and exhibitions. Let us dare to dream, and dream big.

Investors can certainly hear the sound of abundance, the sound of rain beyond the horizon and we also need to be in sync with such so that we do not let our negativity drown our vision of a future pregnant with promise. We urge our businesspeople to go out and clinch deals at the Trade Fair, to ensure they gain from technological transfer and also exploit regional opportunities as the country gears to reap the rewards of Education 5.0. 

On the part of the arts, the carnival in Victoria Falls affords many to mingle with the best and share notes while enjoying the hospitality of one of the seven wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. 

These events will come and go but they surely must leave indelible footprints, on which local players could gain a foothold and leapfrog into the next level of business and with that giant leap spur economic development upon which the livelihoods of citizens of this country is dependent.

The spotlight is definitely on us this week, and let us make our time in the sun count!