Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
GLOBAL financial services group, Old Mutual, says the attainment of economic stability in Zimbabwe is encouraging, hence huge investments in renewable energy and agriculture projects, which are transforming communities across the country.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jurien Strydom, has made Zimbabwe his first port of call after assuming his new position at the organisation.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday, Mr Strydom said the prevailing macroeconomic stability in Zimbabwe is encouraging for investment.
“We spoke of encouraging stability in the Zimbabwean economy, as well as Old Mutual’s efforts to invest and to play its role in the development of the Zimbabwean economy. So we have invested in renewable energies, several renewable energy projects, as well as student accommodation and the hotel sector, so in several different sectors,” Mr Strydom said.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuel Matsekete, said his organisation has invested heavily in the energy and agriculture sectors.
“What you will see from all of these investments is meaningful progress in terms of some of the benefits extending to the communities that we serve, as well as the contribution to the development of our industry. We now contribute about two-thirds of the power generated by independent power producers in the economy.
“The projects comprise solar plants and hydro plants. In fact, we do have one that is about to be commissioned now. We have started another one at Tokwe Crossing. The one we want to be commissioned is in Masvingo. These are the latest ones, but they are just adding on to several projects that we have invested in that sector,” he noted.
The Financial Services Group has played a part in capacitating local entrepreneurs in various sectors of the economy through promoting innovation, among other initiatives.
