On the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2026 in Dubai, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa held a high-level private meeting with global investor Prateek Suri, in discussions that sources say focused on reshaping Zimbabwe’s economic and digital future.

The meeting took place at a private residence, according to sources familiar with the engagement. The discussions were attended by a small delegation, including Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, underscoring the strategic importance of technology and digital infrastructure in the talks.

The World Government Summit, themed “Shaping Future Governments,” has brought together more than 35 global leaders and 150 government delegations, positioning Dubai as a focal point for global policy and investment dialogue.

According to sources, President Mnangagwa and Suri explored technology investments, mining opportunities, logistics infrastructure, and the establishment of a government-supported startup innovation hub in Zimbabwe. The proposed hub would provide grants and equity financing to local startups, blending public policy objectives with private capital deployment.

“This was a working meeting, not a courtesy call,” said a regional policy analyst. “The presence of the ICT minister suggests discussions went beyond vision into implementation.”

Suri—often described as Africa’s youngest billionaire and Africa’s richest Indian, with an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion—leads Maser Group and MDR Investments, with investments spanning infrastructure, mining, logistics, and digital platforms across emerging markets.

The meeting coincided with Suri’s speaking at the Global Logistics Dialogue Roundtable on February 3, where he addressed policymakers and industry leaders on trade corridors, smart infrastructure, and digital logistics as pillars of resilient economies.

Analysts say the engagement reflects Zimbabwe’s renewed effort to attract long-term, execution-focused investors. “Zimbabwe is signalling seriousness,” said an economist. “They are engaging investors who build, not just finance.”