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The Financial Markets Indaba (FMI), in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ), has officially unveiled plans for the highly anticipated ICAZ Winter School and Investment Conference 2025.
The event is scheduled to run from 24th to 28th August 2025 and will be hosted at the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Designed to be a high-level convergence of global financial minds, the conference aims to foster critical dialogue around Zimbabwe’s investment potential and the transformative role of financial technology (fintech) in driving inclusive economic growth.
Held under the guiding theme “Global Perspectives, Local Impact: The Evolving Role of Finance Experts,” the five-day event will bring together a diverse array of participants, including ICAZ’s international membership base, representatives from both the public and private sectors, global investors, and Zimbabwean professionals living abroad. With over 50% of ICAZ members residing outside Zimbabwe, the conference is strategically positioned to align global financial acumen with Zimbabwe’s local development goals.
The conference will feature a dual-track format, encompassing both the ICAZ Winter School—a continued professional development initiative—and a dedicated Investment Conference. While the Winter School will cater to professional enrichment, the Investment Conference will spotlight Zimbabwe as a compelling destination for foreign capital and technological innovation. The sessions will emphasize actionable intelligence, institutional partnerships, and structured stakeholder engagement.
A major highlight of the conference will be an in-depth focus on the fintech and digital payments ecosystem in Zimbabwe. A specially curated panel of experts will delve into how digital financial services are revolutionizing financial access, enhancing the remittance infrastructure, and spurring technological progress. According to figures from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, remittances reached US$1.8 billion in 2023, accounting for approximately 16% of the nation’s GDP. Most of these transactions were facilitated via mobile money platforms and digital financial tools, underscoring fintech’s vital role in connecting the Zimbabwean diaspora with the home economy.
This panel will explore key topics such as the future of cross-border finance, innovation in remittance systems, and the regulatory landscape needed to support widespread adoption of fintech. The discussion aims to highlight how fintech solutions can be harmonised with Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic strategies to enable broad-based financial inclusion and growth.
Beyond the fintech agenda, the conference will offer exclusive B2B networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and project showcase opportunities. Notable confirmed attendees include the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), Mutapa Investment Fund, Old Mutual Investment Group Zimbabwe, CBZ Holdings, and ZB Financial Holdings. These sessions are expected to promote direct engagement between investors and project developers, facilitating capital mobilisation and strategic partnerships.
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Ultimately, the ICAZ Winter School and Investment Conference 2025 is set to serve as a critical hub for global financial dialogue, investment promotion, and technological advancement. By tapping into diaspora expertise and attracting international investor interest, the event seeks to position Zimbabwe as a forward-looking and trustworthy partner in Africa’s unfolding digital and economic transformation journey.
