Story Silibaziso Dlodlo
THE second edition of the Bulawayo Business Awards celebrated outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs for their contribution to economic growth, innovation and industrial development in the City of Kings and Queens this Saturday.
Business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs gathered in Bulawayo for the second edition of the Bulawayo Business Awards, a platform aimed at recognising excellence while promoting localisation and sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the event, Bulawayo Business Awards representative Mr Simon Saunyama said the initiative is designed to support local enterprises and align with the national devolution agenda.
“We want to ensure that Bulawayo is an epicentre of quality, innovation, and sustainable business practice in Zimbabwe. The Bulawayo Business Awards align seamlessly with our national devolution agenda. This platform serves as a direct implementation tool for localisation by ensuring that we focus strictly on Bulawayo-based enterprises.”
Business Development Specialist Ms Nothando Moyo challenged businesses to embrace a culture of professionalism and quality standards as the country advances towards a 24-hour economy.
“Talking about quality standards in the 24-hour economy, when they said 24-hour economy, they did not say we start at the 24th hour. I know it is an award ceremony and it is a bit relaxed, but this is where it begins and if we do not manage it here, it becomes a culture.”
Ambassador of the African Diplomatic League, Ms Cynthia Akujobi, said Bulawayo’s identity as the City of Kings and Queens should inspire businesses to lead, innovate and expand their influence.
“We have to be strategists and not be ignorant of what we have been called or what we have been named as a city. Kings and Queens rule the market, set trends, control resources, command loyalty, make the rules and expand the kingdom.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Raj Modi said the government remains committed to creating an environment that supports industrial growth, value addition and private sector development.
“Bulawayo remains one of Zimbabwe’s key industrial centres and continues to play a strategic role in national economic development. The city has a proud history of industrial excellence, entrepreneurship and innovation. The Second Republic under the leadership of President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa remains fully committed to economic transformation, industrialisation, value addition, job creation and private sector development in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.”
The awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across various sectors, with winners expressing gratitude for the recognition.
Mama Jays founder Ms Nomsa Ayibu, who won the Outstanding Baking Industry Award, said the recognition was both encouraging and inspiring.
Garden Guru chief executive Ms Joyce Ndlovu, who received the Best CEO Award, said the accolade was a proud moment for women in business.
“I am happy that they thought of me as the first female in Bulawayo to be the best CEO.”
The Bulawayo Business Awards continue to establish themselves as a platform that celebrates excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting the growth of locally owned enterprises.
