ZAMBIA DIASPORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT FREUD MUSANU APPROVED FOR LANDMARK MOMBASA INVESTMENT WORKSHOP
ZAMBIA DIASPORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT FREUD MUSANU APPROVED FOR LANDMARK MOMBASA INVESTMENT WORKSHOP
Board Unanimously Endorses Participation in COMESA, IOM, and AfDB Convene Historic Diaspora Corridor Summit
Reported by TipsNews | June 8, 2026
MOMBASA, Kenya — In a decisive move signaling the growing influence of diaspora business networks in African economic transformation, the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) Board of Directors has unanimously approved the participation of its President, Mr. Freud Chinza Musanu, in the highly anticipated Diaspora Investment Workshop: Unlocking Corridor Investment Opportunities.
The three-day summit, scheduled for June 22–24, 2026, in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, represents a watershed moment for diaspora engagement across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region. Organized under the auspices of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) East, Horn, and Southern Africa Regional Office, the COMESA Secretariat, and funded through the African Development Bank’s Streamlining Diaspora Engagement to Catalyse Private Investments and Entrepreneurship for Enhanced Resilience (SDE4R) program, the workshop promises to transform how diaspora capital flows into strategic trade corridors.
‘A Long-Awaited Follow-Up’: Musanu’s Vision for Mombasa
Speaking exclusively to TipsNews following the board’s unanimous vote, Mr. Musanu described the invitation as “one of the longest-awaited follow-ups” in the diaspora investment calendar.
“I am deeply thankful to the organizers—IOM, COMESA, and the African Development Bank—for their visionary leadership in convening this august event,” Musanu said from his base in Kansas City, Missouri. “The paid accommodation and logistics arrangements speak volumes about their commitment to removing barriers to diaspora participation. I must also extend profound gratitude to the ZDCC board and members, whose collective contributions have made it possible to afford my flight tickets to and from Mombasa.”
The ZDCC board’s swift and unanimous approval to fund Musanu’s travel reflects the chamber’s deepening commitment to bridging the gap between diaspora expertise and African development.
Read Related: IOM Regional Office for East, Horn and Southern Africa – Diaspora Engagement Programs
From Lusaka to Mombasa: Building on 2025 Momentum
Musanu was quick to contextualize the Mombasa workshop within a continuum of strategic engagements. He specifically cited the successful outcomes of the 2025 International Business Exchange hybrid conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, where representatives from IOM, COMESA, and the African Development Bank delivered a compelling presentation on corridor investment opportunities.
“In Lusaka, we saw the blueprint. The organizers presented with clarity and conviction. In return, ZDCC actively participated and delivered a copy of the communiques to our network,” Musanu recalled. “That engagement laid the foundation for what we are about to achieve in Mombasa.”
The Lusaka conference demonstrated that diaspora investors are no longer peripheral actors but central partners in regional integration. According to the workshop background document, diaspora contributions have already revitalized sectors such as poultry farming in Uganda, vanilla production in Madagascar, and horticulture in Zimbabwe—while digital platforms like Ethiopia’s Gebeya Inc. , Kenya’s Zidicircle, and Somalia’s Hormuud Telecom showcase the transformative power of diaspora-led innovation.
Evidence Link: African Development Bank – SDE4R Program Overview
What Makes This Workshop Different: Digesting the Agenda
The Mombasa workshop is not another talking shop. The objectives, outcomes, and participant roster reveal a carefully calibrated machinery designed to convert conversation into capital.
Strategic Corridors on the Table
The workshop will focus on five transformative trade corridors that link landlocked COMESA member states to regional and global markets:
| Corridor | Route | Key Investment Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Corridor | Mombasa – Uganda – Rwanda – DRC – South Sudan | Logistics, inland container depots, multimodal terminals |
| Central Corridor | Dar es Salaam – Rwanda – Burundi – DRC | Truck fleets, rail operations, cold chain infrastructure |
| Djibouti-Ethiopia Corridor | Djibouti to Addis Ababa and beyond | Industrial parks, special economic zones |
| LAPSSET Corridor | Lamu Port – South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport | Energy, renewables, mining-related processing |
| North-South Corridor | From DRC through Zambia to South Africa | Trade finance, risk management services |
These corridors host some of the fastest-growing trade routes on the African continent, with substantial investment opportunities in:
- Logistics & transport – inland container depots, multimodal terminals, truck fleets, rail operations
- Agro-processing & cold chain infrastructure – reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing exports
- Industrial parks & special economic zones – manufacturing, textiles, mining-related processing
- Energy & renewables – powering corridors, depots, and industrial zones
- Trade finance & risk management services – supporting cross-border trade for MSMEs and large exporters
Evidence Link: COMESA – Trade and Investment Overview
Expected Outcomes: From Dialogue to Deployment
The workshop is structured to deliver measurable results:
- Identification of priority investment opportunities per corridor specifically tailored for diaspora investors
- Formation of partnerships between diaspora investors, multilateral development banks (MDBs), and private sector operators
- Enhanced awareness among diaspora of regulatory incentives and corridor infrastructure projects
- Concrete follow-up mechanisms including matchmaking platforms and advisory support
- Actionable recommendations for COMESA Member States to improve the investment environment
Who Will Be in the Room
The participant list reads like a who’s who of African economic development:
| Category | Representative Bodies |
|---|---|
| Diaspora Investors | ZDCC and similar chambers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Madagascar, Zimbabwe |
| Government Authorities | Ministries of Trade, Investment, Transport, and Finance |
| Port & Corridor Authorities | Kenya Ports Authority, Tanzania Ports Authority, Djibouti Ports & Free Zones, LAPSSET Authority |
| Development Finance Institutions | AfDB, Afreximbank, Trade and Development Bank, World Bank, commercial banks |
| Investment Promotion Agencies | COMESA Regional Investment Agency, COMESA Business Council, COMESA Federation of Women in Business |
| Trade Insurance | African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) |
| International Organizations | UNCTAD, IOM |
| Sector Experts | Logistics, transport, manufacturing, energy, trade facilitation |
Evidence Link: COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA)
Musanu’s Mandate: Small-Scale Renewable Energy and Indigenous Solutions
Among the many investment verticals to be discussed, Musanu has signaled a particular focus on small-scale indigenous renewable energy solutions—a sector he believes holds transformative potential for rural and peri-urban communities across the COMESA region.
“In Lusaka, we engaged deeply on funding mechanisms for small-scale renewable energy. I am pleased to report that we found solutions among other things,” Musanu stated. “My expectation for Mombasa is to meet virtually all significant stakeholders—including government officials, development finance institutions, and fellow diaspora investors—at another roundtable network. We must bring about consistent and swift extended impactful development to the region.”
The workshop’s agenda explicitly includes breakout sessions on Energy & Renewables, with a focus on powering corridors, depots, and industrial zones—creating a natural alignment with Musanu’s priorities.
Evidence Link: African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) – Renewable Energy Guarantees
A Gender Lens and Inclusive Participation
Notably, the workshop has been designed with an intentional gender lens, actively encouraging the participation of women-led diaspora organizations and women investors. This commitment is embedded within the SDE4R program’s mandate to strengthen private sector development across eight African transition states: The Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Togo, and Zimbabwe.
Musanu commended this approach: “Sustainable development cannot happen without women at the table. ZDCC fully supports the organizers’ commitment to gender-inclusive participation.”
Evidence Link: IOM – Gender and Diaspora Engagement
The Road Ahead: What Musanu Will Bring Back to Kansas City and Zambia
Upon his return from Mombasa, Musanu has committed to delivering a comprehensive report to the ZDCC board and membership, including:
- A prioritized pipeline of investment opportunities along the Northern and North-South Corridors with direct relevance to Zambia
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and pre-investment agreements initiated during the B2B matchmaking sessions
- Recommendations for Zambia’s investment environment derived from comparative learning with other COMESA member states
- Actionable follow-up mechanisms for diaspora investors in the Midwestern United States seeking to channel capital into African corridors
“This is not a one-off event,” Musanu emphasized. “The organizers have built concrete follow-up mechanisms—matchmaking platforms, advisory support, and ongoing dialogue with investment promotion agencies. That is why I am going. That is what I will bring back.”
Laudatory Recognition: TipsNews Commends Organizers
TipsNews takes this opportunity to laud the visionary organizers who have made this landmark event possible:
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) East, Horn, and Southern Africa Regional Office – for their unwavering commitment to harnessing diaspora potential as a force for stability and growth
- The COMESA Secretariat – for recognizing that trade corridors are only as strong as the investment that flows through them
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) – through the SDE4R program, for providing the financial scaffolding that turns diaspora ambition into actionable projects
- Ms. Mary Mwangi and the entire BRMM team – for their professionalism, transparency, and flexibility in accommodating diaspora participants across multiple time zones and continents
“When organizers remove barriers—financial, logistical, and bureaucratic—they send a powerful message: your contribution matters, your capital is welcome, and your expertise is essential.” – TipsNews Editorial
Evidence Link: IOM – Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Program
How to Follow and Participate
The workshop will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing global diaspora members to participate virtually. Key sessions include:
| Day | Theme | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (June 22) | Opening & Corridor Overview | Keynote: “Unlocking Corridor Investment Opportunities”; Panel discussions on Northern, Central, and North-South Corridors |
| Day 2 (June 23) | Sectoral Investment Showcases | Breakout sessions: Logistics, Agro-processing, Industrial Parks, Energy & Renewables; Case studies of successful diaspora-led investments |
| Day 3 (June 24) | Networking & Commitments | One-on-one business meetings; Pitch sessions; Group discussion on recommendations for improving investment environments |
Virtual participation details and investment booth registrations are available through the IOM Regional Office.
About the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC)
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce serves as the premier network for Zambian professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors in the diaspora. ZDCC facilitates trade and investment between Zambia and the global diaspora community, with a particular focus on renewable energy, agribusiness, and infrastructure development.
Contact: Through formal channels via Mr. Freud Chinza Musanu, President
About TipsNews
TipsNews is a premier digital publication covering diaspora investment, African economic integration, and the intersection of migration and development. With a global readership spanning North America, Europe, and Africa, TipsNews is committed to facilitating good governance as equivalent to the provision of formidable and uncompromised opportunities.
Reported by: TipsNews Editorial Team
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks bids for its upcoming Diaspora Investment Workshop in Mombasa, requiring professional interpretation services and equipment. This strategic project demands expert in-person interpretation from English to French and Arabic, with each language requiring two translators for three days, a critical component for effective communication. Additionally, robust interpretation equipment and transportation for the event’s duration are essential to ensure seamless language support. By engaging with this negotiation, suppliers will contribute to the project’s success, enabling effective knowledge sharing and collaboration among diverse participants. Venue shall be confirmed after award
Sources and Further Reading
| Source | Link | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| IOM Regional Office – East, Horn & Southern Africa | https://eastandhornafrica.iom.int/ | Organizer overview |
| COMESA Secretariat | https://www.comesa.int/ | Trade corridor authority |
| African Development Bank – SDE4R | https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/streamlining-diaspora-engagement-catalyse-private-investments-and-entrepreneurship-enhanced-resilience-sde4r | Funding program |
| COMESA Regional Investment Agency (RIA) | https://www.comesaria.org/ | Investment facilitation |
| African Trade & Investment Development Insurance | https://atidi.africa/ | Trade risk management |
| UNCTAD – Diaspora Investment | https://unctad.org/topic/least-developed-countries/diaspora-investment | International perspective |
| World Bank – Trade Corridors | https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade-corridors | Infrastructure context |
Closing: A Prayer for the Journey
As Mr. Musanu prepares to depart from Kansas City to Mombasa, may his journey be safe, his engagements fruitful, and his return laden with actionable partnerships. The Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce has answered the call. The organizers have opened the doors. Now, the work begins.
TipsNews – Reporting at the intersection of diaspora capital and African transformation.
