Beaven Ndliwayo 
AT the recently held Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Congress in Victoria Falls, the focus was firmly placed on unlocking business potential through policy, partnerships, and productivity.
The high-level gathering, attended by government officials, captains of industry, and regional stakeholders, served as a platform to reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for economic transformation.
Presiding over the official opening, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving growth and urged stakeholders to invest in sustainable and innovative ventures.
Amidst a packed programme of presentations, policy debates, and exhibitions, the Congress celebrated exceptional entrepreneurial talent that has contributed meaningfully to the nation’s economic fabric.
One of the most notable recognitions was awarded to David Mantiziba, the youthful CEO of WildFin Microfinance Zimbabwe and Zambia, who walked away with the prestigious National Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
This accolade not only reaffirmed his rising status in Zimbabwe’s business community but also recognised the transformative impact his work has had on financial inclusion and youth-driven innovation.
Mantiziba’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
At just 22 years old, he became the youngest individual in Zimbabwe to lead a licensed financial institution, a feat that set the tone for a trailblazing career in enterprise development.
Through WildFin Microfinance, he has championed a vision that targets underserved communities, particularly civil servants and small-to-medium enterprises, providing them with access to quick, convenient, and reliable financial services.
His leadership has transformed WildFin into a cross-border microfinance institution operating in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, with services tailored to the needs of everyday people.
Under Mantiziba’s direction, WildFin has introduced groundbreaking products such as the Smart Loan App and WhatsApp-based loan processing, drastically reducing the paperwork and bureaucracy traditionally associated with borrowing.
These innovations have earned the institution acclaim within the financial services sector, with awards recognising its digital transformation and responsiveness to market demands.
The company’s expansion has been rapid, with several branches opened across Zimbabwe and a growing footprint in Lusaka, Zambia.
This regional growth strategy reflects a broader pan-African vision Mantiziba holds dear: to drive economic integration and remove the mental borders that hinder African entrepreneurs from scaling.
In addition to his work in microfinance, Mantiziba chairs the Skipwide Group, a diversified enterprise with interests in fintech, real estate, and automotive services.
His entrepreneurial reach has extended into mobile app development through the Eazi Apps venture, further underscoring his adaptability in harnessing technology for business development.
Such ventures position him not just as a financier, but as a tech-savvy leader who understands the evolving needs of a digital economy.
The ZNCC Congress, held against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic reforms, placed heavy emphasis on the importance of private sector involvement in driving growth.
Delegates discussed the need for policy harmonisation, reduction of regulatory bottlenecks, and increased support for emerging enterprises. Mantiziba’s recognition as a young entrepreneur came at a time when the country is actively seeking to inspire a new generation of business leaders to respond to these challenges with boldness and creativity.
His success, built on a foundation of hard work, vision, and strategic partnerships, presents a compelling case for the value of empowering youth in business.
Notably, Mantiziba has also shown a keen interest in social impact. Through WildFin’s community-based programmes, the company has worked with municipalities to promote cleanliness and civic responsibility, linking economic growth to broader societal wellbeing.
This approach reflects a holistic view of development, where financial success goes hand in hand with contributing to national objectives such as urban renewal, poverty reduction, and employment creation.
As Zimbabwe navigates its Vision 2030 agenda, the emergence of business leaders like Mantiziba offers renewed optimism.
His achievements suggest that with the right mix of innovation, mentorship, and strategic direction, young people can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the national and regional economy.
Furthermore, his example challenges stereotypes around youth capability, proving that ambition coupled with execution can yield tangible and scalable results.
While the ZNCC Congress served as a policy platform and networking forum, it also stood as a celebration of potential realised.
In awarding David Mantiziba, the Chamber recognised more than just business acumen—it acknowledged the courage to lead, the foresight to innovate, and the commitment to building a better Zimbabwe through enterprise.
As the private sector continues to align with the government in rebuilding the economy, figures like Mantiziba will remain essential in demonstrating what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
