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Boston Tech Week @ Venture Café
Boston to Zimbabwe: A Pathway to Business, Investment & Trade Opportunities
May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
at Havana Room

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

Speakers

profile image
Leonard Tshitenge
Founder and Lead Consultant
Leonard Tshitenge is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advisor whose expertise bridges the gap between the U.S. and African markets. Through strategic partnerships, he fosters sustainable business growth and cultural exchange, working closely with institutions, the City of Boston’s Global Affairs, Economic Inclusion, Small Business, and Arts & Culture departments, as well as the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). His impact extends beyond the U.S., as he maintains key liaisons in South Africa, Senegal, Gabon, DR Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and beyond. A McKinsey Forward Graduate and Harvard Business Review Council Member, Leonard integrates creativity, data-driven insights, and leadership strategies to help organizations navigate complex global markets. His expertise lies in developing holistic solutions that blend artistic expression, psychological insights, and cultural intelligence—an approach he formalized through his proprietary APC Model (Artistic, Psychological, Cultural). With a commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation, Leonard equips businesses and institutions with the tools to expand, adapt, and thrive in today’s evolving landscape. \"At the intersection of inclusion and innovation lies the opportunity for growth. I help businesses get thereand stay there.\" For more please visit www.consciously-exposed.com