MORE than 60 companies and business leaders from Manicaland and Chiredzi will be recognised for their contribution to economic growth, innovation and resilience when the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Eastern Region hosts its annual Business Awards in Mutare today (Friday).
The awards ceremony will be held at a local hotel under the theme: “From Resilience to Competitiveness: Charting a New Path for Sustainable Industrial Growth.”
The annual event has become one of the region’s most anticipated business gatherings, bringing together captains of industry, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners to celebrate excellence across various sectors of the economy.
This year’s ceremony is expected to be graced by Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Polite Kambamura, who is expected to be the guest of honour, while Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza will also preside over the awards ceremony.
The awards will recognise businesses and individuals from across Manicaland Province and Chiredzi who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, leadership and a commitment to economic growth despite operating in a challenging business environment.
The event comes at an emotional time for the business community following the untimely death of ZNCC Eastern Region and Chiredzi manager, Ms Perpetual Guwila, who passed away last week, and was laid to rest on Friday.
Ms Guwila was widely respected for her dedication to advancing business interests in the region, and played a pivotal role in strengthening the chamber’s presence and influence among the business community.
Despite the loss, organisers have confirmed that preparations for the awards are complete, and the event will proceed as planned.
ZNCC Eastern Region administrator, Ms Nesta Nyambo, said the awards remain an important platform for recognising businesses that continue to drive economic growth and create opportunities in their communities.
“This year’s awards come at a significant moment for the business community. While we are still mourning the loss of our colleague and leader, Ms Perpetual Guwila, we believe the best way to honour her legacy is to continue advancing the vision she worked tirelessly to promote. We will also have a special segment to posthumously honour our late manager. This will be dubbed the Perpetua Guwila Silver Jubilee Dedication to Service Award.”
“The awards will also celebrate resilience, innovation and competitiveness among businesses that continue to make meaningful contributions to the economy despite numerous challenges. We are expecting participation from leading companies, entrepreneurs, policymakers and stakeholders from across Manicaland and Chiredzi.
“The theme speaks directly to the need for businesses to move beyond survival and focus on competitiveness, productivity and sustainable growth. We believe recognition inspires excellence and motivates organisations to continue investing, creating jobs and contributing to national development. The awards also provide a valuable networking platform where businesses can share ideas, build partnerships and explore opportunities for growth. We are confident that this year’s edition will be a success and will further strengthen the region’s business ecosystem while celebrating outstanding achievement across various sectors,” she said.
The awards ceremony has over the years grown into a benchmark for business excellence, attracting some of the country’s leading corporate executives and entrepreneurs.
Last year’s edition saw more than 70 companies and business leaders honoured during a glamorous ceremony attended by prominent figures from both the public and private sectors.
NetOne Group chief executive officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the critical role of technology and innovation in transforming businesses and driving economic growth.
Mr Mushanawani, who also serves as a Zimpapers board member, was crowned Business Leader of the Year 2025 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to Zimbabwe’s corporate sector.
Addressing delegates at the time, he challenged businesses to embrace digital transformation and innovation as key drivers of competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
He described technology as the backbone of modern commerce and encouraged organisations to leverage digital solutions to improve efficiency, expand market access and create inclusive economic opportunities.
The 2025 awards were held under the theme: “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships and Productivity,” which highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, business and development partners in fostering economic development.
As anticipation builds ahead of Friday’s ceremony, attention will be on the individuals and companies set to walk away with top honours in recognition of their excellence, innovation and resilience.
Beyond celebrating achievement, the awards are expected to provide a platform for discussions around industrial growth, investment opportunities and strategies for enhancing business competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic economic environment.
With senior Government officials, business leaders and investors expected to attend, the ZNCC Business Awards continue to cement their status as one of the region’s premier corporate events, celebrating the businesses and individuals helping to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s economy.-herald
Kambamura headlines ZNCC business awards
