French economic delegation visits Zimbabwe after high-level talks – The Zimbabwe Mail

France’s main branch of economic diplomacy, the Movement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), will visit Zimbabwe in October.

This follows extensive discussions with Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who highlighted the significant investment opportunities in the country.

The upcoming MEDEF visit marks another milestone for President Mnangagwa’s government in its ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement and re-engagement.

Vice President Chiwenga, accompanied by his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, attended a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Presidential Palace. The event, which was attended by other world leaders, was preceded by a visit to the Zimbabwean Embassy in France, where VP Chiwenga praised the efforts of the embassy.

“We have a team from MEDEF here, which I met two days ago. They are coming to Zimbabwe to explore different areas and propose concrete projects. It is a serious team, as you know,” said VP Chiwenga.

He praised the embassy’s preparation, saying: “The embassy is doing very well. They had prepared all the teams that we were going to meet. I am proud of them, and even when we spoke briefly with the president here in France, they were well prepared.”

Vice President Chiwenga briefed embassy staff on recent developments in Zimbabwe, including the upcoming chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by President Mnangagwa at the bloc’s 44th Heads of State Summit.

“We have briefed the Embassy staff, led by Charge d’Affaires Mr Emmanuel Zinyuke, on the political and economic developments in Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa intends to chair SADC and preparations are underway,” he said.

He elaborated on the Second Republic’s development strategy and urged the Zimbabwe office in France to support the country’s efforts to engage and re-engage.

“We detailed what the government is doing and what we expect from the embassy to help investors interested in Zimbabwe. We also discussed the social impact of El Niño and the government’s response, in line with our national development strategy and the president’s vision.”

Following the reception, Vice-President Chiwenga attended the official opening of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where Zimbabwe will be represented by seven athletes participating in athletics, rowing and swimming.

In athletics, sprinters Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu will compete in the 200m sprint, while Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora will compete in the marathon. Paige van der Westhuizen and Denilson Cyprianos will represent Zimbabwe in swimming and Stephen Cox will compete in rowing.

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