‘Innovate to grow’

IT IS important to recognise success amongst local – and international – businesses, as it continues to encourage the right conduct in industry, and commerce.
And last week’s annual Top Companies Survey (TCS) awards hosted by The Financial Gazette in conjunction with Old Mutual Zimbabwe (OMZ) was not only special in that it marks the 10th anniversary of this evened, but a partnership that seeks to celebrate top-performing Zimbabwean companies.
Crucially, extol their resilience, innovation, unwavering commitment to excellence and significant milestones that MUST be cherished (in this country – and abroad).

Old Mutual group chief executive Samuel Matsekete

With the “sustainable innovation for growth” theme resonating deeply with us at OMZ, we passionately believe that progress and prosperity are anchored in sustainable innovation.
Without a doubt, sustaining progress and prosperity in this rapidly changing world demands continuous innovation for adaptation.
Therefore, It is the surest way to drive growth and deliver value to customers, and communities.
As OMZ, we strongly uphold innovation as one of our core values, pillars for growth sne seek to ensure that it reflects in the way we serve our customers as well as various communities that we operate in. Again, our value proposition arises from the deep commitment we have in continuing to play our part in — national and — enterprise development in Zimbabwe.
This, we believe, is essential for the benefit of our people through such socio-economic programmes or initiatives as the O’mari product that OMZ launched in May.
This is a fintech venture and solution venture to not only provide convenient, affordable service to a wide range of users, but enhance the country’s financial inclusion programmes.
Essentially, O’mari enables customers to — make and — manage their investments, access insurance products or cover, and make secure transactions on one platform from their mobile phones or devices.Through it, we are empowering individuals and companies to take control of their financial future, which is a form of sustainable innovation.
However, this key survival strategy and phenomenon is not just about adopting the latest technology, but fostering a culture of continuous improvement, embracing responsible business practices and nurturing long-term relationships.
In our view, innovation is about challenging the status quo, exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Essentially, it is about responding to the world’s ever-changing needs — and problems or challenges — and societies at large.
It is also about creating value and doing things the right way, in order to improve people’s lives.
When businesses innovate to positively impact on communities, they not only stay ahead of the curve, but maintain a competitive edge and grow sustainably into the future.
Therefore, you have our commitment — as OMZ — to continue supporting your efforts through the company’s integrated financial solutions and other services.
And as corporates, we must not only continue to explore for more mutual beneficial business — as we innovate to grow and meet customer needs — our success is not solely measured by financial metrics but employment numbers, and the impacts on wider communities or society. And that is one way we can continue contributing to the sustainable development of the wider economy.
Therefore, we must continue celebrating excellence, inspiration and limitless potential!

● Matsekete is the Old Mutual Zimbabwe chief executive — sponsors of The Financial Gazette’s Top Companies Annual Survey — and here are a few nuggets about a variety of corporate issues in this slightly edited speech at last week’s event.