President’s Pitch in Japan: More Than Just Words?

Image Credit: Herald

So, our President was in Japan for the big TICAD summit, and as expected, tech and partnerships were on the agenda. The big man talked about the need for collaboration, moving away from just buying stuff (“Made in Japan”) to actually building things together (“Made Together”).

He mentioned how our lithium and other resources could fuel the new energy revolution if we partner smartly. Plus, he touched on bridging that digital gap in the rural areas – something we talk about a lot here in the country. Even threw in a bit about making sure AI doesn’t leave us behind.

Yet Another Summit

Now, for those of us not sipping tea in fancy diplomatic lounges, it’s easy to scoff at these kinds of speeches. Another trip, more talk, right? But here’s the thing I was just thinking about: these speeches, while they might not result in instant signings, can be crucial first steps.

Think of it like this: imagine you’re trying to sell your brilliant idea to a big investor. You don’t just walk in and demand money. You pitch your vision, explain the potential, and show them where they can fit in and benefit.

That’s essentially what the President is doing on a national level. He’s advertising Zimbabwe’s goals, the digital transformation, the resource potential, and saying, “Hey Japan, here’s where your tech and investment could make a real difference, and here’s what’s in it for you too.”

Beyond the potential deals, these international meetings are also about building relationships, which they call “soft diplomacy.” It’s about showing the world that Zimbabwe is serious, that we have a plan, and that we’re open for business and collaboration on global issues.

When our President sits down with the Japanese Prime Minister, even if there’s no immediate billion-dollar agreement, that meeting should strengthen ties and create a warmer environment for future engagements.

So, What Does This All Mean in Reality?

Despite a deeper understanding of why these speeches are not a waste of time, it would be realistic to not hold our breath for a massive, immediate change.

Our President has attended numerous summits and high-level meetings, and a quick look back at the track record shows that many haven’t yet locked in too many tangible, game-changing results.

This is where the behind-the-scenes work becomes the real story. While the public speech is the first step, the real work for future deals begins in those private discussions.

We know that following his public address, the President had a “high-level engagement with the Japanese Prime Minister.” This kind of means the public speech wasn’t just a performance, it was the first step for the serious negotiations.

So, while we might not see headlines about a massive Japan-Zimbabwe tech deal tomorrow, the seeds are being planted at these summits.

That’s how I’m going to start looking at these kinds of stories, for my mental health. Maybe nothing will come from it, but at least there’s sense to trying. So, that’s exactly what a President should be doing.