President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 3rd edition of the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, marking a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s economic strategy. Running under the theme “Building Resilience and Driving Economic Transformation under Climate Change,” the conference brings together policymakers, business leaders, and experts to tackle Zimbabwe’s pressing challenges in the context of climate change.
The timing of ZEDCON 2024 is crucial, following Zimbabwe’s hosting of major international events, including the 56th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa and the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, ZEDCON presents a pivotal opportunity to devise strategies that will build resilience and foster economic transformation. The country’s vulnerability to climate-related shocks, especially in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, has hindered its growth. However, by addressing these challenges head-on, new opportunities for sustainable development can emerge.
During the conference, stakeholders will engage in collaborative dialogue to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative solutions tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique economic and environmental challenges. Participants will explore avenues for transforming key sectors through climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-tourism. The goal is to diversify the economy, create new revenue streams, and unlock job opportunities, thereby reducing dependence on traditional industries.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of ZEDCON as a platform for fostering public-private partnerships, encouraging entrepreneurship, and stimulating targeted investments. He underscored the necessity for a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to achieve economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across Zimbabwe. Networking opportunities, business-to-business engagements, and collaborative stakeholder dialogues will form the foundation for concrete partnerships and investments critical to Zimbabwe’s economic future.
As Zimbabwe strives to attain upper-middle-income status by 2030, ZEDCON 2024 serves as a key milestone, galvanizing collective action towards sustainable growth. President Mnangagwa praised the conference for its focus on long-term, innovative strategies that will contribute not only to Zimbabwe’s progress but also to global efforts to combat climate change.
