NEDBANK Zimbabwe took home the Best Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year Award at the 2026 prestigious Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) National Exceptional Marketing Awards (Nema) held at Golden Conifer on the 18th of September 2026.
The award recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating sustainable social impact and improving lives through meaningful community interventions. For Nedbank Zimbabwe, this recognition reflects a longstanding commitment to using its financial expertise to do good and creating shared value for the communities it serves.
The accolade celebrates a year of transformative initiatives that touched thousands of lives across Zimbabwe through healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, environmental conservation and sport development.
Among the Bank’s most impactful initiatives was the refurbishment and retooling of the Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic in Mbare, a project undertaken in partnership with key government and health sector stakeholders.
The upgraded facility is set to enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare services for one of Zimbabwe’s most densely populated communities, improving conditions for mothers, newborns and healthcare professionals alike. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure and service delivery, the project contributes towards improved health outcomes and supports national efforts to reduce maternal and infant health risks.
The improvement of maternal healthcare services is one of several initiatives being spearheaded by Nedbank Zimbabwe to empower women. The highly rated commercial bank is also championing women’s economic empowerment through its support of the Next She Exporter Programme in partnership with ZimTrade.
The programme equips women entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge and access to opportunities that enable them to participate more effectively in international trade. Through export readiness training, business development support and market access initiatives, hundreds of women-owned businesses across Zimbabwe have been empowered to grow sustainable enterprises, create jobs and contribute to economic development. The initiative reflects Nedbank’s belief that empowering women entrepreneurs strengthens families, communities and the broader economy.
The bank is also investing in Zimbabwe’s future leaders, and has made education the cornerstone of their sustainability strategy. Through its STEM Scholarship Programme, Nedbank Zimbabwe continues to open doors for talented young Zimbabweans pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By supporting access to higher education and helping develop critical skills, the programme is nurturing a new generation of innovators, problem-solvers and industry leaders who will drive Zimbabwe’s future growth and competitiveness.
Complementing this effort is the bank’s partnership with Uncommon.org, which focuses on equipping young people with digital and technology skills needed for the future workplace. The programme has helped bridge the digital divide by providing learners from underserved communities with access to coding, digital literacy and career-readiness training, empowering them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Alive to the popularity of sport in Zimbabwe, it is not surprising that the bank is using sporting activities as a catalyst for social development. Sport has been positioned as one of Nedbank Zimbabwe’s most powerful platforms for youth development, inclusion and nation-building. The bank’s long-standing support for Zimbabwean rugby has strengthened the sport from grassroots to elite levels, creating pathways for young athletes to develop their talent and pursue excellence. Through support for national teams and grassroots development programmes, thousands of young people have gained opportunities to participate in sport, develop life skills and aspire to represent the country on the international stage.
Nedbank Zimbabwe’s support for netball has similarly created opportunities for women and girls, helping to advance gender equality through sport while nurturing future sporting talent. By investing in player development and grassroots participation, the bank is empowering young women to pursue their dreams and become role models within their communities.
Nedbank Zimbabwe’s sustainability strategy also includes promoting environmental stewardship. Positioned as a premier “green bank,” the institution has made environmental sustainability central to the bank’s vision of creating long-term value. Through initiatives focused on plastic waste recovery, recycling and conservation awareness, the Bank has contributed towards cleaner communities and the protection of Zimbabwe’s natural environment. Partnerships supporting wildlife conservation that include Elle Collection and the Zambezi Cycling Challenge as well as environmental education have further strengthened awareness around sustainable living and the importance of preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations. These programmes demonstrate that social impact and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in building resilient communities.