REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR COL. (RTD) C.M. KATSANDE
AT THE FIRST LADIES OF AFRICA IMPACT & RESILIENCE (FLAIR) SUMMIT: 18 JUNE 2025
Esteemed Excellencies, First Ladies,Board Members and Organisers of the FLAIR Summit,• Dr. Yvonne Thompson,
• Dr Nero Ughwujabo;
• Mr. Charlie Stuart Gay;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Organisers and Co-Founders of the First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit. This Summit comes at an opportune time as the world is facing complex challenges that require women to be the leading voices for sustainable solutions. As men, we must humbly acknowledge that we have not always done a good job of safeguarding the future for the next generations. It is time to listen, support, and elevate women's leadership.Allow me to thank the organisers of FLAIR for extending an invitation to the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us due to clashing engagements.
However, she sends her most sincere apologies and warmest regards and full support for the objectives of this Summit.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I have already mentioned, this Summit is timely and necessary. It is more important than ever to empower and amplify the voices of Africa’s First Ladies. These are voices that deeply understand the realities on the ground. They connect directly with ordinary citizens, especially women and youth, and are uniquely placed to advocate for inclusive development with the powers that be.
Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her interactions with communities across Zimbabwe, founded the Angel of Hope Foundation. This foundation is committed to improving health, empowering women and youth, and preserving cultural heritage. It has made a significant impact in both rural and urban areas, empowering girls to dream big, including becoming leading entrepreneurs and scientists, and strengthening Zimbabwean identity and pride. Her efforts in preserving and promoting cultural values earned her the title Patron of Culture and Heritage in Zimbabwe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Women’s empowerment is one of the cornerstones of the Angel of Hope Foundation. Through initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, women, especially those excluded from traditional, male-dominated financial systems, are being supported to start and grow their own businesses. This tailored approach is unlocking potential and transforming the lives of women who normally would not have access to capital in the traditional financial markets. I am pleased to share with you this booklet, which outlines the Foundation’s work across key areas: health, education, skills development, culture, environment, empowerment, and wildlife conservation.
This Summit has successfully brought together the voices of Africa’s First Ladies to spotlight critical issues affecting African women. The energy and momentum generated here must not end when we leave this room. We must harness this platform to bring about real, tangible change. Our communities expect more than talk—they deserve action, and we must deliver.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I want to congratulate the Organisers of the FLAIR Summit for hosting such a powerful and impactful event. The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, is extending an invitation to the Organisers of FLAIR to visit Zimbabwe as her esteemed guests, and I can already visualise you at the one and only world heritage site of Victoria Falls!
Zimbabwe is Indeed Open for Business!
I thank you.