Zimbabwe is set to host the inaugural Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards in June 2024, an event that promises to bring together investors, influential leaders, CEOs, industry experts, policymakers, government officials, and other key stakeholders from across the African continent and worldwide. The announcement was made during a press conference on 18 December 2023 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare by the event’s senior board members, who expressed excitement about the potential of the forum to attract investments, foster economic growth, and unlock Africa’s full potential.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from the 26th to the 28th of June 2024 at the prestigious Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. The Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards aims to serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and honoring exemplary contributions to the field of investment. By highlighting Africa’s economic opportunities and investment climate, the forum aspires to attract increased interest and participation from both local and international investors, contributing to Africa’s economic growth and development.
The CEO Kudzai Mukuku expressed his gratitude towards the team involved in organizing the forum, stating, “I would like to also thank my colleagues here, Farai Muvuti who is our Chief of Communications, Rumbidzai Takawira our Events Director, Adam Smith our board member from British Africa Business Alliance, and other members of the board who couldn’t join us at this press conference.” The success of such an ambitious undertaking requires the dedication and collaboration of a highly skilled team.
During the three-day forum, participants will have the opportunity to engage in various sub-forums that cover a wide range of investment-related topics. The CEO described the forum as “a melting pot of ideas, aiming to establish Africa as a leading investment destination.” The diversity of the speakers, both local and international, is expected to enrich the discussions and provide valuable insights into investment opportunities in Africa.
Farai Muvuti, the Chief of Communications for the Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards, emphasized the forum’s significance in driving positive change. He stated, “The Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards is not merely a conference but a catalyst for positive change.” He added that the primary goal of the forum was to “foster collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders in the investment landscape.” Muvuti reiterated that the forum aims to stimulate cross-border investments, enhance infrastructure development, and empower local industries. He also highlighted the importance of actionable insights and tangible outcomes, emphasizing the organizers’ commitment to facilitating concrete investment initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and promoting a business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investors.
As part of the event, there will also be an exhibition that showcases organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs’ projects and investment opportunities. The Events Director Rumbidzai Takawira emphasized the importance of this exhibition in fostering networking, stating, “It will be an excellent opportunity for networking and exploring potential partnerships with investors.” This platform will provide participants with the chance to connect with potential investors and forge valuable relationships that could lead to groundbreaking collaborations.
To ensure the inclusivity and diversity of perspectives at the forum, Stakeholder Briefs will be held in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco. These briefings will serve as a precursor to the main event, engaging stakeholders across multiple countries. This initiative aims to gather a wide range of perspectives and ensure that voices from all corners of Africa are heard. Kudzai Mukuku highlighted the significance of these briefings, mentioning that “we aim to ensure the inclusivity and diversity of perspectives at the forum.”
Throughout the event, the Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations with the highly coveted ‘Investor of the Year’ awards. The Events Director described the awards ceremony as “a celebration of excellence, commitment, and innovation in the world of investment across Africa.” These awards aim to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations in various sectors of the African economy, regardless of their origin.
In addition to the main awards ceremony, there will be several sub-events organized during the forum. Rumbidzai Takawira outlined these events, stating, “We have organized various Investment Forums, a Networking Luncheon, the Africa Wealth Forum, the Champions Dinner, and the Presidential Symposium.” These sub-events provide platforms for thought-provoking discussions, connections, and initiatives that can drive sustainable economic growth and investment in Africa.
The Africa Wealth Forum, in particular, is expected to be a centerpiece of the forum, bringing together thought leaders, economists, and experts from across the globe. This conference aims to discuss strategies for wealth creation, sustainable growth, and investment opportunities in Africa. The Events Director expressed excitement about this conference, stating that it “promises to be a dynamic and insightful gathering that will shape the future of investment on our continent.”
The Presidential Symposium, another significant sub-event of the forum, is exclusive to African heads of state. This symposium will create a platform for high-level discussions on critical investment opportunities and challenges facing Africa. The Events Director highlighted the importance of this symposium, stating that the deliberations will focus on “creating investor-friendly environments, promoting sustainable economic growth, and attracting foreign investment.” The symposium aims to empower presidents to share their insights, exchange best practices, and collectively drive the continent toward a brighter, prosperous future.
The grand finale of the Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards will be the main awards ceremony, where investors who have excelled in various sectors will receive the prestigious ‘Investor of the Year’ awards. The categories include Oil and mining Industries, Agriculture, Media and entertainment, Real Estate and construction, Angel Investors, Manufacturing, Technology, and many more. Additionally, governments with the best Investor-Friendly Policies will also be honored.
During the awards ceremony, 50 Young African Investors below the age of 40 will also be recognized, showcasing the forum’s commitment to supporting and encouraging upcoming serial investors. The CEO mentioned, “We shall also be awarding governments with the best Investor Friendly Policies and providing recognition to 50 Young African Investors below the age of 40.”
To ensure that all deserving individuals and organizations are allowed to be recognized, the CEO announced the establishment of ‘The Champions List.’ This list aims to recognize top investors who have significantly and positively invested in Africa since the year 2000. The list will be released in five batches, starting from 2000 to 2005, up to 2020. This initiative aims to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals and organizations towards Africa’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the Africa Investment Leaders Forum & Awards presents a unique opportunity for Africa to attract investments, foster economic growth, and unlock its full potential. With the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, investors, and visionaries,