US committed to scaling investment with Zimbabwe

Published: 1 hour ago

The United States is stepping up efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with Zimbabwe, with a renewed focus on targeted, high-impact engagements, US ambassador Pamela Tremont has said.

Speaking at the Innovators Forum during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Tremont said Washington has maintained a consistent presence at the exhibition over the past three years as it sharpens its economic strategy.

"Connected economies drive competitive industries - linking ideas to markets, talent to opportunity, and innovation to global impact," she said.

Tremont highlighted the visit of US tech entrepreneur Bronwyn Morgan, who is engaging Bulawayo's innovation ecosystem through discussions on drones, artificial intelligence and STEM-focused roundtables.

She said thriving innovation ecosystems depend on access to technology, capital, mentorship and the freedom to experiment, pointing to companies such as Apple and Amazon as examples of ideas that scaled globally.

"These are not just American technologies - they are global tools that can be deployed wherever there is talent and determination," she said.

Tremont underscored the potential of AI and drone technologies in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, where they can enhance productivity, improve decision-making and strengthen service delivery.

She added that US-backed programmes are supporting entrepreneurship and innovation through partnerships with local institutions, including ZB Bank.

"This week is about more than dialogue - we are investing in innovation," she said, noting that she will also engage entrepreneurs from US exchange programmes who are building scalable ventures.

As part of broader engagement, Tremont is set to launch the Freedom 250 Founders Museum exhibition at the National Gallery in Bulawayo, ahead of US commemorations marking 250 years of independence in 2026.

She also announced the Bulawayo Enterprise Showcase, a "Shark Tank"-style pitching platform that has attracted over 120 applications, with finalists expected to receive expert support to scale their businesses.

"Our presence at ZITF reflects a strategic shift - from large exhibitions to focused engagements that build meaningful connections, particularly with young innovators," she said.

Tremont said the US will continue supporting Zimbabwe through trade promotion, entrepreneurship training, technology ecosystem development, and cultural and educational exchanges.

"Zimbabwe has exceptional talent. What's needed are stronger links to capital, markets, technology and networks - and we are here to help build those connections," she said.
- newsday