Zimbabwe’s vegan advocate Chef Cola to address 2024 Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa

KINGSTONE ZIMUNYA

HARARE – One of Zimbabwe’s leading voices on veganism Nicola Kagoro, also known as Chef Cola, is slated to be a distinguished speaker at the 2024 Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa. The summit, now in its third year, will take place in Gaborone, Botswana from May 5 to 8. 

Chef Cola

The event, themed “The Engine Of Africa’s Economic Growth: Investment and Entrepreneurship,” is expected to attract at least 1,500 delegates, marking its largest gathering yet. 

The summit aims to unite thought leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Africa and around the globe to discuss harnessing the power of entrepreneurship in a continent poised to define the 21st century’s growth.

Previous editions of the summit have hosted speakers such as Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Kenyan social media sensation Elsa Majimbo, Tanzanian tycoon Mohammed Dewji, and self-made billionaire Dr. Patrice Motsepe. 

This year’s confirmed speakers include CEO of Kippa Kennedy Ekezie, actress Nomzamo Mbatha, Netflix executive Ben Amadasun, and American media personality Nick Cannon.

The 2024 edition will spotlight Africa’s greatest business stories and opportunities, focusing on the investors and founders who are forging new paths forward. 

As the only Zimbabwean speaker at the summit, Chef Cola will have the opportunity to market her brand, African Vegan on a Budget, and promote Zimbabwe.

Speaking with ZimSphere, Chef Cola expressed her excitement about the opportunity. 

“It’s an honour to represent Zimbabwe in a positive light on a global stage. It was a shock because this is the second time Forbes has recognized my brand," she said. 

“Two years ago, I featured on a two-page spread in Forbes magazine; and I thought that was it. So, when they invited me to speak, I felt blessed twice by God.”

The four-day summit will feature panel discussions, live performances, a service day, a tour of Gaborone, and a Bush Party. 

Chef Cola is also scheduled to lead a live cooking demo, a first for the summit. She sees this as a platform to market African Vegan On a Budget and Zimbabwe. 

“The masterclass is a chance for me to highlight that Zimbabwe is open for business, not just to Zimbabweans but to those who want to work with us to contribute to building our economy through various channels; in this case being tourism and the culinary industries,” she concluded.