FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- Zimbabwe is emerging as a promising destination for responsible investment with vast opportunities across multiple sectors, entrepreneur and academic Prof. Kudakwashe Taruberekera has said.
Speaking from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is attending the United Nations Global Compact Conference, Prof Taruberekera emphasized that Zimbabwe’s evolving economic landscape makes it increasingly attractive to both local and international investors.
“Zimbabwe remains open for responsible investment and offers significant opportunities,” he said.
“With the right partnerships and long-term confidence, the country can become one of Africa’s leading destinations for sustainable investment.”
Prof Taruberekera who is the founder and chief executive officer of Craft Properties Holdings, highlighted the importance of innovative financing models in driving economic growth.
He explained that his company has adopted an integrated land development and community financing model that channels revenue from property developments into sectors such as education, infrastructure and security systems.
According to him, this approach has a multiplier effect, creating jobs, generating income and improving community livelihoods while also contributing to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including quality education, decent work and sustainable cities.
The company which is celebrating its 18th anniversary this week, has also invested in educational initiatives that promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
“We believe education is one of the most powerful long term investments, as it nurtures future innovators and leaders,” he said.
Beyond education, Craft Properties Holdings has expanded its footprint into infrastructure development, technology, residential housing, commercial centres and mixed-use developments.
The company is now focusing on building sustainable communities with emphasis on organised settlements, modern amenities and secure living environments.
Prof Taruberekera noted that the development of sustainable cities requires collaboration between government and the private sector.
“Sustainable cities cannot be created by Government alone. Strong partnerships with responsible private investors are essential,” he said.
He added that the company is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance security and sustainability within its developments, ensuring safer environments for residents and businesses.
Prof Taruberekera also pointed to key sectors with high investment potential in Zimbabwe, including mining, agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing, real estate, education, health and technology.
He further stressed the need for African governments and investors to capitalise on the continent’s growing population, describing it as a significant driver for future economic growth.
The United Nations Global Compact which brings together companies committed to aligning operations with principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative with participation from 193 countries.
Prof Taruberekera is also set to participate in the Private Sector Forum of the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development where stakeholders from across the continent will explore strategies to accelerate progress towards the SDGs under the theme The forum, running under the theme, “Forward Faster: Scaling Private Sector Partnerships to Accelerate the SDGs in Africa” running from this Monday till Thursday in Addis Ababa.
