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Senior Business Writer

ZIMBABWE’S array of investment opportunities which institutional investors, investment firms and the diaspora can fully take advantage of will be in the spotlight in Cape Town and Johannesburg next month during the second edition of Zimbabwe Capital Markets Conference.

The inaugural conference was held in London.

According to the organisers of the three-day conference, the focal point is to create a platform showcasing Zimbabwe’s deal flow and its true potential, providing opportunities for strategic capital allocation across various sectors.

For Zimbabwe to stimulate economic growth and development, it requires long-term funding, hence the capital market provides an avenue for mobilisation and utilisation of long-term funds for development.

“Financial Markets Indaba, in collaboration with the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, is thrilled to announce the upcoming Zimbabwe Capital Markets Conferences. Taking place from February 20th to 23rd, this three-day event will be hosted in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Expanding on the success of the inaugural Zimbabwe Capital Markets Conference that was held in London, this forum aims to be even more innovative and impactful,” reads part of the statement.

The platform will spotlight opportunities for institutional investors, investment firms, and the diaspora, emphasising diverse avenues for capital allocation.

The goals include broadening the VFEX investor base, showcasing success stories, fostering partnerships and presenting a unified economic message from the Government and private sector.

“In 2023, Zimbabwe’s VFEX registered four new listings across mining, financials and retail sectors, gaining momentum as a globally competitive platform for capital raising. The VFEX’s success, supported by offshore settlement options, positions Victoria Falls as an appealing Offshore Financial Services Centre.

“The Government is aiming to implement the Victoria Falls International Financial Offshore Centre, modelled after successful examples like Dubai and the Isle of Man. Operating in US dollars, the centre offers tax incentives and a range of financial services, contributing to reshaping global perceptions of Zimbabwe in financial markets.”

The conference programme includes VFEX-listed companies presenting their operations, plenary sessions with panel discussions and B2B meetings.

The conference is well-suited for project developers, financiers, DFIs, capital markets players, diaspora and industry professionals.

Some of the panel discussion topics include avenues for investing in Zimbabwe’s Lithium industry, the growth and investability of Zimbabwe’s real estate market, and exploring opportunities in the Victoria Falls International Offshore Financial Centre.

Participants are drawn from players in the primary capital markets, corporate leaders, financial institutions, investment bank executives and public accounting firm heads, as well as secondary market players such as fund managers and stockbrokers from Zimbabwe and overseas.

Keynote Speakers will include Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange chief executive officer, Mr Justin Bgoni, senior officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe and Insurance and Pensions Commission of Zimbabwe.