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 slated for Friday, this week in Harare.
The event, hosted and organised by The Financial Gazette, in partnership with financial services giant Old Mutual Zimbabwe, will see the country’s outstanding listed companies honoured for their excellency amid challenges.
“The Top Companies Survey Awards play a vital role in highlighting organizations 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 & 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 guest of honour, who is chief executive of Liquid Cloud and Cyber, a leading South African-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 optimizing costs and quality of service to clients.
newsdesk@fingaz.co.zw