I am pleased to report that the ZDDI hosted its first major conference on 26th September 2009 at the University of East London, the United Kingdom. The major themes of the conference were investment, development and migration in relation to Zimbabwe.

The conference was organised by the Finance and Investment Focus Group of the ZDDI although it is fair to say it work together with and drew resources from members of other Focus Groups that constitute the organisation. It was a supreme example of collective effort with clear leadership by one of our Focus Groups. I would like to thank and congratulate the Focus Group for taking the initiative and others for playing key supporting roles to make the event a major success. 

The conference was addressed by a strong delegation from the public and private sectors in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.  The head of delegation and keynote speaker was Gorden Moyo, MP, and the Honourable Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. It also included Mr Lazarus Muriritirwa, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Mr Mubaiwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Investment Authority and Mr Emmanuel Munyukwi the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. The delegation included Mrs Faith Nharara, the Director of Implementation and Diaspora Coordination and Mr Thabang Nare, Hon. Minister Moyo’s PA. It is no mean feat to attract the attention of a key member of the Inclusive Government to devote time to our initiative and efforts.

The conference drew participants from a wide and diverse array of professional and business sectors. Even though attendance was by invitation, the number of participants far exceeded the carrying capacity of the conference venue. In the end, the conference attracted more than the anticipated two hundred (200) participants, all of them arriving well before the start of the event at 9.30am. Scores of people had to be turned away when they applied in the few days before the conference because the event was fully subscribed. Nevertheless such was the interest that some turned up on the day hoping to take part.

I am happy that those who attended expressed great satisfaction with the proceedings and welcomed the unique opportunity to engage with their government and business leaders in Zimbabwe with a view to developing mutually beneficial relationships. I was humbled by the praise they showered upon the ZDDI not only for the idea of creating this platform but also by the superb, efficient and professional manner in which the conference was organised.

After the conference, there was a post conference cocktail and dinner held at the Crowne Plaza – Docklands where participants had an opportunity for more informal interactions with the delegation and amongst themselves. This was a useful platform for networking which is something that the ZDDI has always encouraged from the beginning.

The Minister was frank and honest about the political, economic and social situation in Zimbabwe. He referred to the challenges that the country is facing but he was also positive about the potential to turn things around depending on the will and commitment of the governing coalition to live up to the letter and spirit of the Global Political Agreement that led to the formation of the Inclusive Government. The minister was keen to emphasise the fact that many of the country’s problems were self-inflicted and that it was our responsibility as a country to stop those deficiencies that cause the country to have a poor risk profile in the eyes of investors. He referred to constitutional reform as a key target of the unity government. He challenged the Diaspora to participate in constitutional reforms to ensure that their interests are catered for. The minister was advised that this is the next project of the ZDDI.

He also emphasised the importance of protecting property rights in order to encourage more investment. The Minister stated that the government was working on a Diaspora Policy with a view to engaging the Zimbabwean Diaspora in national development projects. He called on the Diaspora to play a part in developing this policy and this is something we should consider very seriously. They have opened doors and we should try to utilise the available space.

Mr Muriritirwa, spoke about the role of the Office of the Prime Minister and policy implementation.  His presentation gave delegates a sound picture of this key Office that is new on the Zimbabwean political terrain. It powers and functions were outlined. Mr Muriritirwa described the efforts that have been made so far to build relationships between the different parties comprising the government.  Like the Minister he urged the Diaspora to become more closely involved in national economic affairs. Referring to what they are trying to do as being akin to fixing a broken car whilst it’s in motion, he outlined the challenges that were being faced but he was positive about the future prospects for as long as the parties stick to the GPA.

Mr Mubaiwa and Mr Munyukwi both spoke about the investment opportunities in Zimbabwe. They referred to the vast investment potential in Zimbabwe and urged the Diaspora to take a key role in investing in the country’s resources.  Their presentations cut across various areas, including finance, mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, showing that there is great potential. They were also frank and honest about the challenges being faced by investors, including the high transaction costs which would need to be reduced. They saw the inclusive government as providing a window of stability and predictability, which investors need.

Suggestions were made for the creation of an investment fund/funds which the Diaspora can use to participate in the economy. Mr Munyukwi was positive about the Zimbabwean stock market. This is a challenge for the Diaspora and hopefully equipped individuals can utilise their skills and resources to set up such vehicles. The business leaders undertook to facilitate the platforms for such activities.

There were also presentations from the representatives of the UK Government, led by Mr John Dennis, Country Director at the FCO in relation to Zimbabwe. They gave indications about the supporting role they have been giving to the country especially on capacity building, technical support and humanitarian aid. Suggestions were made to look to Zimbabweans in the Diaspora with a view to employing their skills, knowledge and experience in their efforts.

The UK Border Agency was also represented and the representative, Mrs Dee Bourke’s key message was that Zimbabweans should take the opportunities presented to talk to the agency and other stakeholders regarding matters of concern and interest. I certainly hope that Zimbabweans can improve their organisational capacity to ensure that they are well-represented and that they have a voice in the formulation of policies that affect their interests.

Personally, I was humbled by the will and commitment shown by Zimbabweans who attended the conference. The feedback we received has been impressive, both from our delegates led by Minister Moyo, from the UK government representatives and more generally from the participants. It is wonderful to see our work being appreciated by all these stakeholders.

The ZDDI team worked tirelessly. Individuals made personal sacrifices. Time and money were spent. It was so good, many individuals who had come to attend chipped in to assist with some of the tasks. There was literally an avalanche of people at registration – I had not imagined that Zimbabweans would be so punctual but they were! Indeed, when it seemed that we were getting overwhelmed at registration, individuals chipped in, playing various roles to ensure the process ran smoothly. I would love to mention everyone by name, but I realise that they were so many who played their parts so well I would probably need a small book to list them. Those who performed their roles know in the hearts what they did and I am sure they know that their efforts are much appreciated.

I spoke during my welcome speech at the conference about the spirit of the ants. I described how the little creatures work tirelessly, in an organised manner, each one doing they little bit to build their beautiful nest. I indicated how much I admired their organisation, industry and creativity. I think the conference, what happened before, during and after the event, is a true embodiment of the spirit of the ants. In the end we built a beautiful nest.

But we also learnt many lessons. As individuals, we learnt what we can do. We also learnt what we cannot do and what others can do and that they can do those things better than us. But most importantly, we learnt what we can do together. It is easy to point to the failings – I like to see them as opportunities for improvement. I always said that the greatest problem with any type of success is that you would have set the bar very high and the biggest challenge is to maintain that success. Anything less would be considered a failure. We have set a very high bar for ourselves but I think we have the will and commitment to maintain and improve on that standard. But I think it is a good problem!

I like to think we are now being taken a little more seriously. Those around us will be watching; they will be expecting big things. We simply cannot afford to slip up. We cannot afford to be complacent. There will be issues to resolve; let us resolve them in a mature manner, as we have done before. I am sure we can do that without undermining the beautiful nest we have created. I understand that there is a darker side to the ants’ kingdom – apparently, they have a tendency to consume the weaker ones in times of hardship! That’s called cannibalism. Hopefully, that is something that we can learn to avoid. We need to pick each other up and proceed valiantly towards the common goal.

I know I use the word too often, but it’s fair to say it was a beautiful day and I hope we will have more. The challenge of constitutional reform is upon us. I will not say much on this save that our experience should guide us well.

May we continue to be guided by the spirit of the ants!

Thank you.


Alex T. Magaisa, Dr
Chairperson, ZDDI