Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
THE 13th edition of the Innovation Africa Digital (IAD) Summit closed on a high note in Victoria Falls yesterday with participants hailing the country as a safe investment and tourism destination. The three-day summit started on Tuesday under the theme “Affordable access” and was attended by more than 500 participants from across the world.

Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira told Chronicle Business at the end of the summit that Zimbabwe had gained a lot by hosting such a prestigious event. “This summit is very important to us as a country because it gave us an opportunity to showcase our position in terms of ICT. We’re not backward as is the notion out there because we’ve more than 100 percent mobile penetration while our literacy rate is one of the highest on the continent,” he said.

“Our country’s public relations – tourism – has benefited as we’ve also been able to send a message that we’re taking ICT development seriously. That is evidenced by the coming in of Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which shows the highest level of commitment by our government.

“Look at the number of countries who’re here who have been misinformed about Zimbabwe and they have heard and seen it for themselves that we’re a safe destination as almost all of them have expressed interest in investing. Hotels made business and opportunities are being created for our ICT companies.”

In his closing remarks earlier, Mandiwanzira stressed the need for co-operation between governments, investors, regulators and other players to transform technology.

He said the 38 countries’ interest in the country had created natural ambassadors for Zimbabwe and urged all participants to “not only enjoy being in Victoria Falls but implement decisions made at the summit”.

Mandiwanzira, ministry Permanent Secretary Samuel Kundishona and Deputy Minister Engineer Win Mlambo were overwhelmed by representatives of service providers from different countries seeking to open talks for possible investment after the event.

Representing participants, the chief executive officer of Extensia – the organisers of the summit, Tario Malik – said the event was a suitable platform for Zimbabwe to dispel negative sentiments about the country, which have been circulated in the Western media.

“This IAD summit was very successful in a number of ways. International service providers have said they are surprised at the amount of opportunities available in Zimbabwe especially after believing Western media.

“Many people have read negative things about Zimbabwe but they said they’re amazed at the opportunities the country has where they can do business and help Zimbabwe go forward. It’s amazing how local service providers are working with the government considering the embargoes the country has been put under,” said Talik.

He said participants at the summit, mostly manufacturers and ICT solutions providers – had shown interest in opening factories either on gadgets or infrastructure. “There has been a negative perception about Zimbabwe but this occasion has proven otherwise. Suppliers now know who to talk to and that Zimbabwe is safe. This event has created ambassadors that will go out there and market Zimbabwe and we’re all coming back to open talks with the government on projects we’ve identified here,” said Extensia CEO.

Extensia was formed 13 years ago and has been working closely with the government in organising its events.

Talik said a delegation would be returning to Zimbabwe next month to meet government over implementation of some deals entered into at the summit.

Hotel Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) chair for Victoria Falls chapter, Trythings Mutyandasvika said almost all operators benefited from the summit as delegates were spread across all hotels and tour operators.

“We’re very happy as HAZ that this particular summit benefited even small operators. They advertised everyone on their platform and delegates had to choose, which is why you see they were spread across all hotels and other suppliers,” said Mutyandasvika who is also Elephant Hills Resort general manager.

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