Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon Professor Mthuli Ncube
By Dickson Bandera
From 28 February to 5 March 2024, Zimbabwe will host esteemed delegates from across the African continent and beyond in Victoria Falls at the 56th Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Zimbabwe got the nod to host the conference after the approval of the Government-backed bid sponsored by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Hon Professor Mthuli Ncube last year.
The conference will be held under the theme “ Bolstering financing mechanisms and policy frameworks for the transition to prosperous, just and inclusive green economies in Africa”.
The announcement was made by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Hon Jenfan Muswere this Tuesday afternoon during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare.
“The nation is informed that at the Fifty-fifth Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for African (UNECA) Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 15 to 21 March 2023, Zimbabwe was confirmed as host of the Fifty-sixth Session (COM24) during the period 28 February to 5 March 2024,” said Minister Muswere.
He added, “The event is expected to be attended by about 1 000 people from the continent and beyond, comprising of Government officials, civil society, the UN family, experts, among others.”
“The Conference, therefore, presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to enhance its global image and to market the Victoria Falls as a tourist destination of choice,” remarked the minister.
Zimbabwe is vigorously marketing itself as the best tourism destination and has set a target to turn the tourism industry into a US$5 billion Industry by the year 2025.
Rich in biodiversity which is attractive to tourists, Zimbabwe has approximately 5,930 vascular plant species, of which 214 are endemic, 670 bird species, 270 mammal species, 156 reptile species, 120 amphibian species, and 141 fish species.
With a visit to the Victoria Falls, tourists will be able to see live most of these animals and birds.
By hosting the delegates from across the continent, Zimbabwe will also gain milage as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination, a cluster which the relevant ministry is pushing with vigour.
From the deliberations, the country will deepen its knowledge base in various issues that will be on the agenda as representatives will share experiences on the various interventions being spearheaded by African governments.
Zimbabwe is implementing a Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy which emphasizes the shift towards green economies.
The event will consist of two meetings as follows: Committee of Experts for technical deliberations on the theme and statutory issues of the conference during the first three days (28 February to 01 March 2024) and the Conference of Ministers for the last two days(4-5March 2024).
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa will be working with the Government of Zimbabwe represented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in spearheading the organisation of the Conference.
The Economic Commission for Africa is made up of 54 member States, and plays a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape and is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the continent’s development challenges.
