FAITH NDOU
KADOMA-Zimbabwean academic and entrepreneur Professor Kudakwashe Taruberekera has called on Africa’s private sector to take a leading role in driving climate action, sustainable investment and green economic transformation during the just-ended Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit held in Kigali recently.
Held in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact, the summit brought together influential business leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the continent to discuss climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable development and Africa’s economic future.
Against the backdrop of Kigali’s clean streets and fast-growing skyline, the summit became a powerful meeting point for discussions on climate action, sustainable investment, renewable energy and Africa’s economic transformation.
Among the distinguished delegates was Prof Taruberekera, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Craft Properties Holdings, who represented Zimbabwe and championed ethical and sustainable business practices across Africa.
Prof Taruberekera described the summit as a resounding success that produced transformative deals, bold carbon-neutral commitments and continent-wide initiatives set to reshape Africa’s future.
“I was honoured to be part of this movement, representing Craft Properties Holdings and raising the Zimbabwean flag while promoting ethical business practices and encouraging international investors to come and do business in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The summit attracted an impressive lineup of African leaders including Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Bola Tinubu (Nigeria), Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (Mauritania) as well as the Prime Ministers from Côte d’Ivoire (Robert Beugre Mambe) and Mozambique (Maria Benvinda Levi).
Inside the state-of-the-art conference centre overlooking Kigali’s hills, discussions focused on climate resilience, green financing, renewable energy investments and the role of the private sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof Taruberekera participated in critical conversations on unlocking Africa’s green potential and strengthening climate-smart investments.
He stressed that African businesses must take the lead in building sustainable economies capable of withstanding future environmental and economic challenges.
“The platform offered insights into Africa’s green potential and sustainable growth, opportunities to network with global leaders and innovators, collaborative discussions on climate action and investment, as well as exposure to transformative deals and continent-wide initiatives,” he said.
During the summit, Prof Taruberekera also met Zimbabwe’s diplomatic representative in Rwanda, Counsellor Stephen Chiname where they discussed opportunities for strengthening trade and investment relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
“I assured him that we are ready to explore business opportunities in Rwanda and collaborate with Rwandan partners on innovative, climate-resilient projects that drive economic growth and improve lives,” he said.
He added that relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda continue to grow stronger through mutual respect and shared developmental ambitions.
The summit also highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector and international organisations in accelerating Africa’s transition towards a greener and more inclusive economy.
As the summit concluded, Kigali’s skyline reflected renewed optimism for Africa’s future with leaders committing themselves to turning climate pledges into practical action capable of transforming lives across the continent.
