Zimbabwe on the comeback trail

Look out Africa – Zimbabwe is slowly but surely making a comeback. Experts on the continent agree that the country, renowned for corruption, political instability and mismanagement, can no longer be ignored. Paul Runge, a projects specialist and managing director of Africa Project Access, says Zimbabwe has two major aspects in its favour. “The first being that historically it has had a very good education system, so people have had exceptional schooling in the country. Second is the fact that Zimbabweans for the most part are very disciplined people and therefore there is a diligence in the country.” Runge says it is also important to note that Zimbabwe, unlike many other African countries, has not lost its infrastructure. “For the most part it is all there and in not too bad a shape either. It may not be perfect, but it is workable.” Paul Burkett from Nedbank says now, more than ever, is the time to be investing in Zimbabwe. “It is the ideal time to be heading back to the country to do business. Reports from Zimbabwe are very positive. The shelves are full again and stock is being turned over – all the general indicators are very positive.” From the discovery of new diamond deposits leading to mining and construction operations being expanded to the movement of general freight, now, more than ever, companies should be staking their claim or face the very real possibility of losing out, says Burkett.