A GLITTERING awards ceremony brought the curtain down on the Zimbabwe Business Expo in South Africa, where Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, sports personalities, artists and creatives were honoured for their outstanding contributions to economic development and business excellence.
The prestigious awards event was part of the three-day expo that brought together businesspeople, government officials and investors to foster economic engagement between Zimbabwe and its diaspora.
Zimbabweans in the Diaspora Organisation (Zido) chairperson Blessed Kapesa, who organised the event, praised the award winners for their commitment and impact.
He emphasised that the awards were not merely about individual achievement, but also about acknowledging their broader contribution to national progress.
“This event is about recognising excellence. We are celebrating Zimbabweans in the diaspora who are not just surviving but thriving,” Kapesa said.
“These are individuals raising the Zimbabwean flag high through hard work, innovation and resilience.”
Among the award recipients were Xolani Ndlovu, named Outstanding Male Entrepreneur, Polite Mukonori who received the accolade for Outstanding Female Entrepreneur.
The Diaspora Business Excellence Award went to Sylvanus Mabinge Mashavave, with Enock “Nox” Guni recognised as Best Artist in the Diaspora.
- Zim headed for a political dead heat in 2023
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
- Tendo Electronics eyes Africa after TelOne deal
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
Keep Reading
The Best Social Media Influencer Award went to the Nyathi Family and Mukuru, a widely used financial services provider, received the Excellence in Finance Award.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Presidential Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary Tafadzwa Muguti, who led the Zimbabwean government delegation to the Expo, urged Zimbabweans abroad to seize growing investment opportunities across the country’s provinces.
“You should not be discouraged as a Zimbabwean — or as an African — to invest in your own continent,” he said.
“When you hear people saying Zimbabwean roads are bad, that’s your opportunity to invest in infrastructure. When you hear that electricity is unreliable, don’t mock your continent — see it as your opportunity to invest in renewable energy.”
Muguti highlighted government’s commitment to cutting red tape and encouraging investment through streamlining processes and strategic partnerships.
“I am pleased to share that when Zido approached our office with this initiative, we embraced it wholeheartedly,” he said.
“We are now signing a memorandum of understanding with Zido so that, no matter where Zimbabweans are in the world, if they require the support of the Office of the President, we are there to assist.”
Reflecting on the significance of the event, participant Blessing Sunday expressed appreciation.
“This is an incredible initiative,” Sunday said.
“I’ve learnt about many investment opportunities in Zimbabwe. It has truly opened my eyes on the importance of investing back home.”
