Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has underscored the need for Zimbabwe to tap into the latest technologies to propel the country’s development agenda.
He was speaking after touring DP World Headquarters, a Dubai-based global logistics provider which operates in over 69 countries.
Zimbabwe exports a number of products across the world, hence the need to work with entities like DP World, a global logistics firm which has access to maritime facilities around the world.
Speaking after touring the company, President Mnangagwa is convinced that Zimbabwe has a lot learn from Dubai and work with the Middle East country on new ideas to grow the economy.
DP World Managing Director for sub-Saharan Africa Mohammed Akoojee expressed willingness to connect Zimbabwe with key ports across the world.
“We had the President of Zimbabwe visit us here. One of the big initiatives we are working with Zimbabwe is logistics business, we are looking at air connectivity and rail so we can link Zimbabwe with key parts of Africa. Zimbabwe is blessed, it has agriculture. Improving logistics and infrastructure will develop Zimbabwe’s economy,” said Akoojee.
Zimbabwe’s business ambassador to the Middle East Mohamed Jassat revealed that after pursuing DP World for years, the entity is now on the ground in Zimbabwe.
“We have been trying to get them for 4 years now. We have signed an MOU with them for the railways. We will also start running air cargo. This will make our horticulture exports more competitive.”
President Mnangagwa who was in Dubai for the World Governments Summit engaged various business entities advancing Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy agenda.
