This session explores Zimbabwe, a country in Southern Africa, as an emerging destination for business, investment, and trade engagement. Designed for founders, investors, and professionals curious about international markets, the conversation will break down how U.S.-based companies can approach Zimbabwe through practical, relationship-driven strategies rather than high-risk entry.

Led by Leonard Tshitenge, the session will highlight real opportunities across sectors including technology, agriculture, energy, real estate, creative industries, and the growing remote workforce economy. Participants will gain insight into Zimbabwe’s educated, English-speaking talent base and its position within the Southern African region.

The session will also feature direct perspective from Zimbabwe through ecosystem leader Chido Chimedza, who will share insights on current market activity, business climate, and what U.S. partners should understand when entering or collaborating in the space.

This conversation also introduces a structured pathway to engage further through an upcoming U.S.–Zimbabwe business and trade mission (August 2026), designed to connect participants with vetted partners, institutions, and on-the-ground opportunities.

Zimbabwe Market & Sector Snapshot

Harare (Capital City):

• Population: ~2 million (16M nationally)

• Economic Role: Center for finance, education, and government

• Talent Pool: 30,000+ university graduates annually

 One of the most educated, English-speaking workforces in the region

Key Sectors & Ecosystem Opportunities

• Farming & Food Systems
  → Agro-processing, food distribution, export opportunities

• Technology & Digital Services
  → Startups, outsourcing (BPO), digital platforms

• Real Estate & Infrastructure
  → Urban development, housing, commercial expansion

• Energy (Solar & Off-Grid Solutions)
  → Power for SMEs, rural electrification, backup systems

• Creative Industries
  → Music, fashion, visual arts, cultural exports

• Remote Workforce & Global Talent
  → Virtual assistants, research teams, marketing, tech support

Key Takeaways

• Understand Zimbabwe’s position within Southern Africa and why it matters for business

• Learn practical ways U.S. companies can enter and engage without large upfront risk

• Identify sector-based opportunities across multiple industries

• Explore Zimbabwe’s remote workforce and global talent potential

• Gain insight from on-the-ground ecosystem leadership

• Discover a structured pathway to engage through a U.S.–Zimbabwe trade mission

 Lead Presenter

Leonard Tshitenge
U.S.–Africa Market Advisor
Special Envoy for African Affairs, WorldBoston
Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
Founder, Consciously Exposed

Featuring

Chido Chimedza
Founder, U.S.–Africa Connect Summit
Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumna
U.S.–Zimbabwe Trade & Investment Ecosystem Leader