Revisiting nation branding: An infrastructure financing perspective in Zimbabwe

Farai Chigora (Business Science, College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe)
Tonderai Kapesa (Finance and Accounting Department, Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Harare, University of Zimbabwe)
Paul Svongoro (Department of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe)

International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2021): September

Purpose: This study aimed to reconfigure nation branding theories and concepts through infrastructure financing intervention. Research methodology: Data were collected using a QUAL to QUAN sequential mixed methods. Results: Qualitative research informed that the infrastructure that is required for nation branding to be road networks; airports; Information Communication Technologies (ICTs); reliable power supply; industrial facilities; tourism facilities; healthcare facilities; educational facilities; educational facilities; and residential accommodation. These were then classified into two, namely, economic and social infrastructure. Results from quantitative research showed that there is a positive relationship between nation branding and infrastructure financing. Also, it showed that road infrastructure and airports were the most related to nation branding with public-private partnerships and bilateral/multilateral loans to finance their development, respectively. Limitations: As a result of the COVID-19, the research did not manage to have some focus groups for a depth understanding and comprehensive response of the participants. Contribution: The results will help the Zimbabwean government consider developing the road networks and airports to enhance the nation’s brand.