BUSINESS REPORTER
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Masvingo Branch has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering business growth through collaboration, strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing following the successful hosting of the 2026 Stakeholders Collaboration and Networking Forum at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel.
Held under the theme, “From Resilience to Competitiveness: Charting a New Path for Sustainable Industrial Growth,” the Forum brought together representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, academia, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore practical strategies for strengthening business competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic development.
Opening the Forum, ZNCC Masvingo Women in Business Chairperson, Aretha Takaza, said the time had come for Zimbabwean businesses to move beyond resilience and embrace innovation, strategic partnerships and stronger value chains.
She noted that the Forum had been organised to strengthen business relationships, facilitate networking and create opportunities for collaboration across different sectors of the economy. Takaza also encouraged organisations that are not yet members of ZNCC to join the Chamber and benefit from policy advocacy, business development programmes, market access and networking opportunities.
A key highlight of the event was a presentation by ZNCC Principal Economist, Jephias Makiwa, who outlined the Chamber’s governance structures, policy advocacy processes and the strategic role it plays in representing Zimbabwe’s business community. He explained how ZNCC transforms members’ concerns into evidence-based policy recommendations through structured consultation and engagement with Government and other stakeholders.
The Forum also featured an insightful presentation by Benonia Machavuda, Director of Eben Hardware, on Strategic Branding and Visibility. She encouraged businesses to invest in building trusted brands, emphasising that branding creates long-term customer loyalty while strategic visibility ensures businesses remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.
The ZNCC Masvingo Women in Business Committee also launched its official regalia during the Forum, with Chairperson Takaza inviting more women entrepreneurs to join the initiative and participate in programmes aimed at empowering women in business.
Business excellence was celebrated during the event as ZNCC Masvingo Branch Chairperson, Andrew Chekani, recognised organisations and individuals from Masvingo Province who received honours at the ZNCC National Annual Business Awards.
The following award recipients were recognised:
- Tongaat Hulett — Agriculture Exporter Award
- Mrs. Benonia Machavuda — Business Woman of the Year Award
- Commissioner Stanley Kondongwe — Businessman of the Year Award
- Mr. Chrispen Manjengwa — Rural Businessperson of the Year Award
- Econet Wireless — Innovation Award
- Dr. Noah Marima — Business Leader of the Year Award
- City of Masvingo — Sustainable Development Goals Award
- Mr. Thulani Sibanda — Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Membership certificates were also presented to the Chamber’s newest members—Byword Trading (Private) Limited, Masvingo Teachers College and Eben Hardware—reflecting the continued growth of ZNCC Masvingo’s membership base.
The Forum further provided opportunities for delegates to present partnership pitches, showcase their products and services through exhibitions, and engage in business-to-business networking aimed at unlocking new commercial opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Chekani commended delegates, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and partners for contributing to the success of the Forum. He emphasised that sustainable business growth can only be achieved through strong partnerships between organisations and encouraged participants to transform the relationships established during the Forum into lasting collaborations that generate investment, create employment and strengthen the provincial economy.
The programme concluded with a guided tour of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, providing delegates with a unique opportunity to continue networking while appreciating one of the country’s most iconic heritage sites.
The successful Forum reaffirmed ZNCC Masvingo’s role as a leading platform for business engagement, policy dialogue and investment promotion, while strengthening its commitment to building a competitive, innovative and sustainable business community in Masvingo Province.
