Zimbabwean multimedia broadcaster and communications consultant Kim Sibanda has urged African business leaders to prioritise sustainable, people-centred development as the continent attracts major new investments, including the recent high-profile visit linked to the Dangote Group.
Reflecting on insights gained from an intergenerational wealth conference held on the sidelines of the visit, Sibanda said the discussions prompted a critical question: Are African businesses being built to last — or merely to extract?
Sibanda highlighted that Africa’s growing appeal to multinational investors presents both opportunities and responsibilities. She noted that genuine development must extend beyond profit margins, emphasising that large-scale projects should empower local communities, nurture homegrown talent, and strengthen value chains rather than rely heavily on imported labour or channel value offshore.
“In Zimbabwe, our greatest opportunity lies in creating businesses that strike a balance between People, Planet, and Profit,” she stated, stressing that future-ready enterprises must innovate responsibly, amplify local voices, and evaluate success not just in financial terms but in the number of lives improved.
Sibanda warned that business growth can no longer be separated from social impact, especially as African nations confront climate vulnerability, rising unemployment, and widening inequality. She argued that inclusive, purpose-driven business models not only uplift communities but also generate stronger long-term economic returns.
As Africa enters a new era of investment activity, she urged business leaders and investors to reflect deeply on the legacy they are building: Are their ventures leaving communities stronger than before? According to Sibanda, sustainable growth is not just a moral imperative — “it’s smart economics.”
