EDWIN MOYO
Harare-Financial expert and former defunct Kingdom Bank owner, Dr Nigel Chanakira has appealed to diasporans to proffer solutions to the economic challenges affecting the country.
Dr Chanakira made during a virtual meeting which was held last week under efforts to encourage investment in the country.
Addressing the Australian based Zimbabwean business community during the meeting, Dr Chanakira said it was always key to invest at home to establish generational entrepreneurial skills which enhance development.
“I love my country although quiet often I have been ashamed of my government and their failure to address national issues. So I have taken it upon myself to be part of the architecture in resolving not only Zimbabwean problems, but being part of the architecture where I do business.
“I am currently doing business in six African countries; I have been to 18 countries, but trust me my home has remained my passion.
“I have a great, great love for the nation of Zimbabwe and believe that a lot of good can come out of Zimbabwe,” he added.
Chanakira challenged his fellow countrymen to stop deserting their country.
“A lot of people would say, what good can come out of Zimbabwe? If you look at the macroeconomic aggregates which I am in touch of quite often, guess what? Our country has the highest inflation rate for a country not at war. Stop running away from home, invest at home.
“I think that experience should harden us as Zimbabweans and teach us to reconstruct our country and help other countries that are struggling,”
“Generally the socio-economic and political environment of the country should not breed pessimism, rather it should breed economic champions.” Chanakira said.
He further urged Zimbabweans to test new grounds and new ideas for development and technology.
“There are several investment opportunities in the public and private sectors of Zimbabwe. These range from health, road infrastructure, rail, urban transport, power generation, solar and education.
“Let’s focus our vision toward digitizing and working in the circles of technology as the world has gone digital.” he added.
An Australian based Zimbabwean entrepreneur, Gracious Masuka, said it is worrisome to note how most diasporans were unwilling to invest in their roots.
“As diasporans we are caught up in a lot of things and it’s good to be reminded to dream again.
“Let’s get back and set those goals again, to do that wealth test again.
“We are grateful as we have been reminded we should be part of the change makers in the countries of our origin.” she added.
Besides his financial expertise, Chanakira obtained recognition into the international circles through his philanthropic work in the 90s.
He has been awarded more than 17 local and international business awards and is currently the Executive Chairman of Success Motivation Institute (Zimbabwe) which is based in Harare
