Economic woes may be mounting in Zimbabwe, but the country retains strong allure for long-term investors with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, according to Harare-based Imara Edwards Securities.

Tino Kambasha, executive director of Imara Edwards Securities, said: “News headlines are dominated by reports of retrenchments by Zimbabwean firms, companies facing curatorship and the pressure on the country’s most important industries – mining and agriculture. But look beyond the crop of negative stories and enduring potential is evident."

“Foreign investors and portfolio managers with an interest in the region tend to be long-term strategists and value investors. They are looking five or 10 years down the line. Some take a 30-year view."

“They are well acquainted with current difficulties and market risks, but they also see value opportunities and they will be back at the Imara conference for authoritative insights into the market and upcoming developments.”

Imara Edwards Securities, a member of the pan-African Imara financial services group, will be holding an annual Zimbabwe investment conference.

The Harare conference is scheduled for May 21-22 and is by invitation only.

Fund managers and investors are expected from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.

Kambasha said: “One reason for continued interest is the opportunity to obtain first-hand briefings on specific developments in various industries from senior executives."

“To effectively manage any increase in perceived market risks you need good information in good time. Our investment indaba has established a reputation over several years for providing this type of in-depth insight from people in the know."

The conference features presentations by leading executives from a wide range of sectors, including mining, agri-business, hotels and tourism, retailing, beverages, construction and manufacturing.

Imara Edwards Securities, formerly an associate of JP Morgan, was established in 1954 as Edwards & Co. and is Zimbabwe’s oldest operational broker.