Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. BULAWAYO, Apr. 21 (NewsDay Live) – United States ambassador Pamela Tremont says Washington is intensifying efforts to expand trade and investment ties with Zimbabwe, signalling a shift toward targeted, high-impact engagements.
Speaking at the Innovators Forum at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Tremont said the US has maintained a consistent presence at the exhibition over the past three years as it sharpens its economic focus.
“Connected economies drive competitive industries—linking ideas to markets, talent to opportunity, and innovation to global impact,” she said.
She highlighted the visit of US tech entrepreneur Bronwyn Morgan, who is engaging Bulawayo’s innovation ecosystem through discussions on drones and artificial intelligence, as well as STEM-focused roundtables.
Tremont said innovation ecosystems thrive on access to technology, capital, mentorship and the freedom to experiment, citing the early-stage origins of companies such as Apple and Amazon as examples of how ideas can scale globally.
“These are not just American technologies—they are global tools that can be deployed wherever there is talent and determination,” she said.
She pointed to applications of AI and drone technology in agriculture and healthcare, noting their potential to improve productivity, decision-making and service delivery.
The ambassador said US-backed programmes are focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, supported through partnerships with local institutions including ZB Bank.
“This week is about more than dialogue—we are investing in innovation,” she said, adding she will engage entrepreneurs from US exchange programmes who are building scalable businesses.
Tremont is also set to launch the Freedom 250 Founders Museum exhibition at the National Gallery in Bulawayo, part of US commemorations ahead of its 250th independence anniversary in 2026.
She said the embassy will host the Bulawayo Enterprise Showcase, a “Shark Tank”-style pitching platform that has attracted over 120 applications, with finalists set to receive expert support to scale their ventures.
“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 added that the US will continue supporting Zimbabwe through trade promotion, entrepreneurship training, tech ecosystem support, 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.
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