Elisabeth Valerio

The City of Bulawayo is calling for Expressions of Interest for Investment on the George Avenue Corridor and other areas in the City of Bulawayo.

Ideas travel easily. Institutions do not. This year, I’m sharing a short monthly note drawn from the work of building things meant to last in practice, not just on paper. January’s note: elisabethvalerio.com/news/why-build…

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with African entrepreneurs from across the globe - in airports, over coffee, on WhatsApp messages past midnight. Different journeys, different industries, different struggles. But the same questions keeps coming up: “How do we move from ideas to action? Where do we go to think together, to build together?” I didn’t have an answer. So we built one! The ELISA Business Summit was created to be that space - a place where African entrepreneurs can gather with intention, sharpen our strategies, and expand possibilities across borders. It's not a conference for inspiration. It's a working forum for progress. As we step into December, I’m reminded how important it is to stop agonising and start investing in the spaces that shape the future we’re all trying to build. Registration for the March 19th 2026 Summit is now open: elisasummit.com

What a privilege it is to stand alongside such inspiring women at the 2025 Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) in Cape Town. This gathering reminded us of the brilliance, courage, and vision that drive Africa’s future. We spoke about the power of women’s leadership - not as a slogan, but as a proven path to sustainable growth and stronger communities. Yet as we celebrate success, we must also ask ourselves: are we measuring progress by what happens abroad, or by the strength of our own African ideas? True progress comes when we develop homegrown solutions, grounded in our people, our environment and our lived realities. Across Africa, we have built strong frameworks - from the Maputo Protocol and Agenda 2063 to national constitutions like Zimbabwe’s, which enshrine women’s representation and equality. But the real test of commitment is not in how many policies we sign, but in how those policies behave when a woman tries to use them. When bureaucratic systems delay or obstruct women’s participation, when opportunities exist only on paper, or when leadership is celebrated symbolically but not structurally supported, that is where progress falters. These challenges are not abstract. They are felt daily by women in #Zimbabwe who struggle to access finance for their businesses, face limited educational and digital opportunities, and must still fight against cultural expectations that question their right to lead. Gender-based violence and workplace discrimination continue to silence potential and weaken the very communities we seek to strengthen. At the International Centre for Professional Development, we are working to transform this reality. Our initiatives are designed to equip women with the skills, confidence, and support they need to lead - through education, mentorship, professional training, and access to coaching and a network that help them start and grow their enterprises. We collaborate with policymakers, institutions and business leaders to ensure that equality moves beyond rhetoric into real, tangible change. We also create spaces where women can connect, learn from one another, and build solidarity - because empowerment thrives in community. The Global Gender Gap Report warns us that, at the current pace, gender equality will take 134 years. #Africa does not have that time. Our continent’s future depends on how boldly we invest in women and girls - not just as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of transformation. When women thrive, entire nations rise. @263Chat @capitalkfm @Bulawayo24News @BusinessTimesZW @ChronicleZim @citezw @ercafrica @HeraldZimbabwe @HMetro_ @iharare @ManicaPostZim @matpulsezw @NewsDayZimbabwe @NewZimbabweCom @OpenParlyZw @SAPESTrust10 @SundayMailZim @thestandardzim @WeArePindula @ZCCinZim @Zimdaily @zimlive @zimcelebs1 @ZimEye @ZTNPrime @healzim @emthonjeniwomen @gmczimbabwe @GenderZimbabwe @musasazim @AmakhosikaziFM @swrgnzim @table_girls @walpeacademy @wdnzimbabwe @womensvoicezw @WLSAZW @HivosWiL @YoungWomenInst @unwomenzw @feministvoicezw @wesewomen @WagZimbabwe @FemnetProg @WPP_Africa

@GKudzaishe As I've said, we await official outcomes of law enforcement agency investigations. @PoliceZimbabwe

@PresValerio "If there was foul play" the bodies were found in the trunk of a car then you say "if" it's obvious there was. Remember these kids went missing.

No parent should ever endure the unspeakable pain of burying their own child. The recent tragedy in Kuwadzana, where three innocent children lost their lives in such a horrific manner, has shaken us all to the core. If there was foul play.. I find it deeply saddening that the human mind can conceive and execute such despicable acts against defenceless children. The incident is a wound to our entire community and nation. On behalf of my office and in my personal capacity, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of #Kuwadzana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of unimaginable grief. There is absolutely no place in our society for such evil. I urge our law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that any perpetrators of this heinous act face the full wrath of the law. Justice must prevail, and as leaders, we remain committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that such tragedies never happen.

@AngelinaM80435 @georgia_tsetana I am proud to be Zimbabwean

@georgia_tsetana I said this morning I would scream if I was born a Zimbabwean 😭😩

Sometimes, I internally scream when I realise I’m actually Zimbabwean, and that will never change. I don’t know which nationality would have worked for me but being Zimbabwean is just not it🥲😑

I hear your struggle - being #Zimbabwean can feel heavy, but it’s our strength! Our land, people and spirit are worth fighting for. Transform that frustration into fuel to reclaim and rebuild our #Zimbabwe. That’s what I’m doing! Don’t dwell on the weight. Embrace what you can do. 🇿🇼

I hope my story inspires other women to embrace leadership roles. I envision a world where women have a voice and confidently assume leadership responsibilities. As women, we have the power to effect positive change for we are the architects of our own communities. @PresValerio

I mark with great respect the passing of Dr Jane Goodall, a pioneer whose groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and tireless advocacy for wildlife conservation changed the world. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion, science and activism in protecting natural heritage. Dr Goodall’s legacy lives on in every conservationist who challenges poaching, in every researcher who defends habitats and in every community working to coexist with nature. Her message is especially relevant to #Zimbabwe, where we continue to face human-wildlife conflicts, drought, environmental degradation and other tensions between ecological balance, human need and animal welfare. As someone deeply committed to wildlife, I believe her example can guide us toward sustainable solutions, investment in non-lethal conservation strategies, and policies that safeguard both communities and animals. #JaneGoodall leaves a legacy of hope and responsibility. May it inspire us in Zimbabwe and beyond to be better stewards of the earth. #JaneGoodallRIP

@KingJayZim @TeamFuloZim Looks good @KingJayZim! It’s just missing ka mhiripiri pa side.

Now this is a BANGER of a weekend graze! Talk about precision portions and plating. Glistening greens,gleaming browned chicken leg,a fist-sized ,well shinyira’d dassa ,what’s not to like here! Both eye watering and mouth watering😋😋😋👏🏽👏🏽 Perfection! 10/10 @TeamFuloZim

Why would I be posting this if the contractors were there?? It was midweek and the roads were in their usual pitiful state. I even passed an overturned gonyet along the side of the road. It's appalling really.. we invest resources to promote #Hwange across the globe for tourists to face this! And it's even worse for local residents living beside this disaster of a road. They have to inhale the polluted air daily. Vehicle are breaking down constantly because of this road and it costs extra for fuel now to get to Vic Falls or Byo on this road.. Who answers for all of this?

@PresValerio If it’s you who took the video am sure you agree with me, didn’t you see the contractors on the road?

Vanhuwe!!! This road from #Hwange to Mosi-Oa-Tunya (one of Africa’s most iconic destinations) is such a disgrace! Nzwiraiwo vana we Zimbabwe tsitsi weduwe. If you stopped doling out cars, and wads of cash to teary eyed pastors for even just three months, maybe #Zimbabwe would be somewhere! #Bulawayo to Hwange the road is even worse! This is such an injustice - and to add insult to injury, the people of #Matabeleland North are still required to pay toll fees daily.

It’s been the same answer for far too many years. Year after year it’s the same answer (contractors are on site). How many times have we been told that contracts have been awarded then we see a few trucks moving around then miraculously they disappear leaving no significant improvements?

@PresValerio The answer you know already, The Contractors are on site, the road is being fixed!

I live there! It’s been this way for many years and ALWAYS we’re told it’s under construction. This was NOT a detour. It’s the actual road. Instead of improvements it’s become much much worse over the past 8 years. There comes a time when government has to also take responsibility for their obligation to the people.

@Shadda101 @PresValerio It's a construction zone. That's a detour

A valid call-out! Until #Africa hosts the tables where its future is discussed, true sovereignty remains a dream. Whoever controls the venue often controls the narrative and this has been going on for a long time. These leaders are summoned to #Russia, #USA, #Japan etc to discuss issues of their nations. It's one of the reasons why we host the annual ELISA Business summit right here in #Zimbabwe. Converging on #African soil enables us to pioneer, test and develop new ideas that can genuinely drive business growth across our continent. elisanetwork.com/summit @ElisaSummit