Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE 22nd edition of the Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has officially opened in Victoria Falls, running under the theme: ‘Leveraging Technology and Collaboration for Future-Ready Societies.’
The high-level gathering kicked off with a panel discussion titled ‘De-Risking the Business Environment for Cross-Border Growth,’ setting the tone for meaningful dialogue on fostering economic partnerships and innovation.
Among the panellists was Dr Shingai Mutasa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Masawara Holdings, who emphasised the need to de-risk Africa’s business environment by improving energy availability across the continent.
He noted that 24-hour production is essential to drive industrial growth.
Dr Mutasa also called for a regional approach to development, suggesting that Zimbabwe’s geographic centrality could position it as a regional hub, while Botswana could evolve into a financial services centre, building on the progress it has already made.
Mr Victor Utedzi, Director of CantraGrid, agreed with the call for regional collaboration, particularly in power generation and infrastructure development.
He highlighted that Angola currently has an excess of 2 000 MW of power, which, with the right infrastructure, could be distributed to regions facing shortages.
To further de-risk the continent, Dr Johansein Rutaihwa, representing the SADC Business Council, stressed the importance of policy consistency in attracting Nordic investment into Africa.
The meeting brought together Foreign Ministers from across Africa and the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, alongside business leaders, private sector representatives, young innovators, and academics.
The goal is to strengthen strategic dialogue and enhance cooperation between Africa and the Nordic region, with a particular focus on innovation, trade and investment.
