Commercial Diplomacy Desk (CDD)
Empowering African Innovation through Global Diplomatic and Economic Cooperation
What is the CDD?
The Commercial Diplomacy Desk (CDD) is SIIF’s high-level engagement platform that :
Promotes SDG-aligned African innovations to embassies, trade missions, and multilateral agencies.
Attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) and diaspora capital for impact-focused projects.
Facilitates international trade and export partnerships for SIIF-supported startups and ventures.
Hosts Innovation Diplomacy Missions to position Zimbabwe and Africa as global innovation hubs.
Our Focus Areas
Strategic Goals
Strengthen partnerships between Africa and international stakeholders through sustainable commerce.
Enhance market readiness and global visibility for grassroots and frontier innovations.
Influence policy dialogue and advocacy around inclusive innovation and economic cooperation.
Our Diplomatic Engagement Strategy Includes
• Courtesy visits and formal briefings with embassies, high commissions, and trade attachés in the UK, EU, Asia, and Africa.
• Collaborations with diaspora chambers of commerce and bilateral business councils.
• Strategic cooperation with institutions like AfCFTA, ZIDA, UNCTAD, ITC, COMESA, and SADC.
• Development of MOUs and partnership frameworks with government trade and development agencies.
A Platform for Global Partnership
Through commercial diplomacy, SIIF offers a platform where:
• Governments discover investment-ready, scalable solutions in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, climate, and digital innovation.
• Entrepreneurs gain access to international markets through policy-supported trade pathways.
• Investors and development partners co-create economic value and social impact with African change-makers.
Get Involved
Are you an embassy, trade agency, or investor interested in partnering with SIIF?