Africa’s richest traditional healer — Dr Kamwelo Banda — has lured some Europe-based Zimbabweans with a view to explore investment opportunities and change the narrative of the country as portrayed by foreign media.
Zimbabwe which is reeling from sanctions for the past decade or so imposed by the western countries is also negatively viewed by foreign media impacting on its status as a peaceful tourism destination
However, the influential Dr Banda who is more popularly known as Sekuru Banda brought in the two investors — Bruce Gomwe and Brian Shonna of Global Core to explore investment opportunities in tourism sector.
Global Core Pvt Ltd is a multidisciplinary international company with expertise in Property Development, Aviation, Agriculture and Renewable Energy and is headquartered in Glasgow United Kingdom.
According to the company profile on its website, they also have branches located throughout the globe including Spain and the United Kingdom, stretching their presence in the international community.
The company’s portfolio also extends into more niche markets in the Fuel and Mining industries.
Speaking at a meeting held in Harare today, Dr Banda said he would use his links and influence to lure investors into Zimbabwe particularly in tourism.
“I am happy that finally Zimbabwean Diaspora are seeing opportunities to come and invest back home. As you might be aware every Zimbabwean is a tourism ambassador and through my contacts with business people overseas and it is time they also visit Zimbabwe and identify for themselves investment opportunities,” Dr Banda said.
Shonna reiterated that they were happy to return home after 25 years and were impressed by infrastructural development in Zimbabwe.
“The last time we were here, there were not so many buildings being built and from what we see in international media it appears there is a wrong impression about the country and that has to change.
“More people are building exquisite houses in Harare and that is a good thing. Of course, every country has its problems but it’s not what is portrayed in international media,” he said.
Gomwe challenged local media to use their resources to reflect Zimbabwe positively to the outside world so as to promote domestic tourism.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority head corporate affairs, Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti said there was need for more tourism players especially from overseas who will bring the much needed Foreign Direct Investment.
“Obviously, this is commendable considering that one of the key areas that they want to invest in is tourism. So, as ZTA we are there to facilitate that and ensure that there is growth in tourism sector,” he said.
According to Gomwe, they were hoping to build a holiday resort around Victoria Falls so as to lure international visitors. At present, the ZTA is on a campaign to market domestic tourism through the #ZimBho, IZim yami campaign aimed to increasing local tourism.
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