We have always emphasised the importance of planning and why you should know all planned big  events in the country. You should know on your fingure tips and  have a plan  of how to benefit.  We started with elections that coming next year and explored various businesses you can explore such as printing of posters and tshirts. Some politicians could be thinking of using technology such as short videos or setting up websites. So good opportunities out there although you have to exercise due caution  and ensure that you get money upfront or risk doing work for nothing! We also gave you a heads up in relation to HIFA and hope that most of you managed to secure commercial places at this popular entertainment and arts  festival.

So what do we have to share with our members this week? We have 2 basic investment options. The first one relates to small scale investment targeting sporting and entertainment  events. I was at the National Sports Stadium last Sunday and witnessed brisk business for people selling food during half time. The happy Makepekepe fans bought all the food that was available!  Caps United will host more big matches at the venue and i can guarantee you that there will be big business-people buy food and will continue doing so even during economic difficuties. The soccer season will be opening in the coming weeks, more sporting events should be coming through out the year. Plan on your calendar all the key events and make a plan of how you can take advantage of these events.

The second investment idea relates to the Harare-Mutare Highway. Its the second time we are discussing this-traffic has increased and this is due to the refurbishment of the road. Its now Mutare ne carpet instead of Masvingo ne carpet. A lot of long  distance trucks are now using this route and we are not sure why-perhaps the use of Beira Port for importation of goods? Or the preference on use of the road over the rail system? ZBIN will be travelling to Beira to find out why within the next 3 months and we hope to get to the bottom of the issue. What is however good is that new opportunities exist on the highway and one such opportunity is the establishment of trucking inn-one morden one which can compete with the few that exist on this highway. Travellers along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway should be aware of  the Mvumba Stopover-the nice stop over where travellers park their vehicles or buses  to rest and purchase food. Mutare -Harare needs one such place as the existing place is not doing justice to the business opportunities that exist along the highway. From Harare expect no meaningful stopover till you reach Mutare.

So there you are 2 opportunities for you. Remember that you should not just plunge into an investment before due diligence-do carry out enough studies before deciding to invest. You can even search on our website sample business plans to help you in investment decisions.

Muito Obrigado

Lake Chivero History

Lake Chivero Recreational Park is about 6 100 hectares in extent including the 16 km long lake. The shoreline of the entire water body covers approximately 48 kilometres. The lake area holds about 250 000 million litres of water and is approximately 26sq km (2 632 ha).

At its widest point the lake stretches for 8 km. The dam wall is 400 metres long and the lake measures approximately 27m deep at full supply level at the dam wall. Construction of the lake took 2 1/2 years and was completed in 1952 at a cost of $2,000,000.00.

The game park which opened in 1962 occupies around 1 867 hectares and holds a variety of game; most of which has been introduced from the Hwange game reserve. Additional game was brought in from Lake Kariba during the game rescue operation better known as “Operation Noah”.

The park, also known as Lake Mcllwaine Recreational Park, was first named in memory of the late Sir Robert Mcllwaine, a former judge of the High Court and founder of Zimbabwe’s Soil and Water Conservation movement. This water body is Harare’s (the capital city of Zimbabwe) main water supply.

The animals that are easily sighted in the park are white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, tsessebe, ostrich, eland, sable, baboon, monkey, duiker, warthog, bush pig, rock hyrax, scrub hare, spring hare, bush squirrel. The park also has a variety of nocturnal species that include civet, genet, black backed jackal, porcupine, slender/ white tailed mongoose, caracal, pangolin, ant bear, serval, bushbaby, night ape and several other species.

There is a great variety of birdlife and for the birdwatcher, the Park is a paradise. Included amongst the several bird species are: African Open Bill Stork, Barbets, Bee-eaters, Buzzards Coots, Cormorants, Doves, Hamerkops, Jacanas, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Darter, Goliath Heron, Fish Eagle, Glossy Starling and Lilac-breasted Roller.

Lake Chivero Business Review

Lake Chivero is one of my favourite hanging out place. When I need cooling off only one place comes to mind for me-Harare Safari Lodge! My connection with this lake dates back to the 80s where as a youngster my father used to take the whole family to the lake for fishing. So the connection has not died down, during the Festive Season I took my family there and Iam also looking forward to a fishing expedition during the Easter Holidays.

So I would like to compare and contrast the Lake Chivero in the 80s and early 90s and the present state of Lake Chivero.

Lake Chivero- The 80s

You can refer to the history of the lake above, there were a lot of recreational and sporting activities-a lot of camping sites, boating clubs, private fisheries, and the Lake Water was clean(less pollution), boating or rowing competitions. This was the place to be for a few Hararians.

Lake Chivero –The Present

Hunyani has emerged as the favourite place for Hararians. A place which is frequented during weekends and holidays. A place where hundreds bring family and friends for braaing meat, drinks and partying.

The water is now heavily polluted with sometimes a green or brown colour. A few years ago there was a mishap of a boat accident that resulted in the death of passengers. All boating activities at Hunyani were stopped after the accident that claimed the lives of 6 people.

Another popular place is Kuimbashiri Bird Sanctuary and Harare Safari Lodge. There are very few operational boating clubs, no new investment in terms of properties such as lodges or hotels. Life at Lake Chivero is virtually at a standstill-it’s now a pale shadow of the Lake Chivero of the 80s.

 The Future of Lake Chivero

One day Lake Chivero will rise again and surpass the 80s standards. The Lake will roar again and present investors with a chance to make huge profits because potential is unlimited!

The interest in the lake is huge as witnessed by the huge numbers who frequent the place. There are a lot of areas which are not know n by the public for instance The Crocodile Creek, The Acacia where I sometimes go for fishing. There are a lot of Bush Camps operated by the Parks Authority.

How will Lake Chivero look like in 2030?

1.Hotel and Conference Facilities created to cater for the increased 2.5 million Harare populations.

2.Limited or Controlled Residential Areas: We foresee a situation where exclusive residential areas will be created for those that enjoy staying near the lake.

3.Private Camps/Beaches: A solution would have been found for the problematic water hyacinth weed and increased pollution. This should pave way for high quality private beaches or camps. An improvement of the current sites.

4.Recreational Facilities such as Water Parks: The Diaspora to play an increasing role in bringing world class standards in terms of recreation with water parks massages parlous or mini theme parks being constructed. Boating activities will one day resume with a few mini yachts floating along Harare’s main lake.

So many opportunities do exist in Zimbabwe and Lake Chivero is one of them. Make sure that when the sign of revival comes, you will not be caught unaware. At present small opportunities exist as shown by Harare Safari Lodge which continues to attract Hararians every week.

So for the Diasporans returning to Harare in the near future, here is our message-put Lake Chivero on the radar for the medium to long term horizon. Plan to invest on your own or partner with others.

Our next article will cover small opportunities at the lake that you can take advantage of. We will also cover a new residential suburb, a fast developing suburb that is located a few kilometers from the lake.

Muito Obrigado