PLO Lumumba Is Set To Speak in Harare on June 6th, 2025
By Dickson Bandera
The Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) comes alive today, Friday, June 6th, as the Zimbabwe International Youth Trade and Investment Forum (ZIYTFC) 2025 officially gets underway.
Organised by My Africa Child in Youth Development Organisation (MACYDO), the forum brings together a dynamic mix of young entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, policymakers, and investors from across Zimbabwe and the African continent under the bold theme: “The Future Is Now.”
This year’s edition is headlined by three of Africa’s most influential voices: Professor PLO Lumumba, the renowned pan-African orator known for his unwavering commitment to African unity and governance; Vusi Thembekwayo, a celebrated business strategist and global speaker whose journey continues to inspire young entrepreneurs across the continent; and Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, a fierce advocate for African diaspora engagement and economic empowerment.
The forum promises a full day of exchange and inspiration, blending keynote speeches, high-level panel discussions, exhibitions, and cultural showcases.
Delegates will explore topics spanning leadership, regional trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, and mindset transformation — all critical for the advancement of Africa’s youth.
Adding further depth to the programme is a diverse line-up of accomplished professionals and innovators, including Dr. Mandas Marikanda, CEO of the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB); Dr. Lance Mambondiani, Managing Director of BancABC Zimbabwe and CEO of ABC Holdings Zimbabwe; Dr. Jesmine Pega; Samuelle Dimairho; Sicelo Dube; Joshua Maponga; and Mr. Nyamz.
These changemakers are set to share lessons drawn from their own paths, offering practical insights into navigating business and social impact across Africa.
The platform will also feature high-level participation from ZBC Acting CEO Mr. Charles Munangasa, top legal mind Advocate Lewis Uriri, and Dr. Rinos Mautsa — an award-winning Zimbabwean entrepreneur, author, and youth empowerment leader whose ventures in technology, outsourcing, and social development have impacted thousands.
Government leaders including Honourable Sheila Chikomo, Honourable Kuda Mnangagwa, Honourable Mavhunga, Honourable Shacky Timburwa, and Honourable Chamu Chiwanza will be present to lend their voices to the ongoing conversation around policy, youth inclusion, and the role of leadership in shaping future-ready economies.
At the heart of ZIYTFC is not just dialogue, but also action. The event’s trade fair and exhibition segment will showcase a vibrant array of businesses and ideas spanning agriculture, finance, education, fashion, technology, and the creative industries.
This marketplace of innovation is designed to encourage collaboration, provide visibility to emerging talent, and create real opportunities for investment and scaling.
As the day winds down, the forum will close on a high cultural note with a performance by Zimbabwean music star Nutty O.
Known for his genre-bending sound and powerful stage presence, Nutty O is set to electrify the HICC and bring the audience to its feet. In a message shared with his fans ahead of the event, he wrote:
“Walk with the wise and become wiser. Calling upon all the young and vibrant go-getters — the leaders of tomorrow — to the Zimbabwe International (Youth Trade Fair and Conference) where we will dive into the most empowering conversations of life and business. Grab your ticket now, come through, and let’s make some noise tomorrow!”
With support from sponsors such as Airlink, ZIYTFC 2025 is not just another conference — it is a statement of intent. It is a declaration that Africa’s youth are not waiting in the wings; they are taking the stage, shaping the narrative, and leading the way.
