Kudzanai Gerede
THIS year’s edition of the Top Companies Survey Awards is setting the tone for enhanced corporate innovation, emphasising the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future.
Running under the theme “AI for Zimbabwe: Leapfrogging from a Resources Economy to a Services Economy”, the awards ceremony is slated for Friday in Harare.
The event, hosted and organised by the country’s number one business publication and prime voice for industry and commerce, The Financial Gazette, in partnership with financial services giant Old Mutual Zimbabwe will see the country’s outstanding listed and unlisted companies honoured for their excellency.
“The Top Companies Survey Awards play a vital role in highlighting organisations that drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth, innovation, and sustainability As Old Mutual, we are proud to have supported this platform for over a decade, celebrating excellence and fostering peer recognition,” Old Mutual Zimbabwe group marketing, public affairs and sustainability executive Lillian Mbayiwa said.
“By highlighting best practices and strategic leadership, the awards inspire business leaders to continuously raise standards, make impactful decisions, and contribute to the long-term development of their organisations and the nation.”
The event will feature Oswald Jumira as the keynote speaker, who is chief executive of Liquid Cloud and Cyber, a leading South Africa-based technology firm.
Jumira, who previously held the position of group head of innovation partnerships for Liquid Intelligent Technologies is expected to share insights on how AI can serve as a catalyst for economic transformation in Zimbabwe.
Jester Media Services (JMS) — owners of The Financial Gazette said this year’s theme highlights the urgent need for local businesses to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.
“The time for digital transformation is now. We need to shift from extraction to creation and the Liquid Cloud and Cyber chief executive, Jumira will show our business leaders how AI can be the catalyst for that economic leap,” JMS group chief commercial officer Lewis Chikurunhe said.
The government recently adopted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026 to 2030), meant to harness the economic potential of AI.
It is designed to integrate seamlessly with the country’s Information Communication Technology Architecture and align with the National Information Communication Technology Policy.
On a positive note, most of the listed companies, in their financial statements, have been reporting on AI integration which is already proving to be crucial in optimising costs and quality of service to clients, and Jumira’s participation as keynote speaker presents a practical knowledge sharing opportunity on AI to Zimbabwean corporates.
The Financial Gazette Top Companies Survey 2025, sponsored by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, is the country’s premier annual ranking of listed and unlisted companies, acknowledging corporate performance based on key financial metrics such as profitability, growth, investor returns, and governance.
The survey provides valuable benchmarking data and celebrates resilience and excellence within the corporate sector, using the occasion to foster high-level dialogue on critical economic issues.
This year’s focus highlights the urgent need for the local industry to integrate AI and digital services to compete globally and drive sustainable economic development for Zimbabwe.