Services economy survey on tonight

THE  second edition of the State of Services Economy Survey (SOSES) will take place this evening in Harare at a ceremony that is expected to be attended by the country’s leading corporates and business people.

Notable experts making up this year’s adjudication committee are Mike Juru, who is the vice chairman of the Valuers Council of Zimbabwe and past president of the Real Estate Association of Zimbabwe, Farai Mutambanengwe who heads the highly regarded SME Association of Zimbabwe, and respected aviation expert Tawanda Gusha, who is also the Airports Company of Zimbabwe chief executive.

Shepherd Tapiwanashe Fungura, ZB Financial Holdings Limited, GCEO

Headlining the event will be Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Christopher Mugaga, a renowned economist whose impact transcends the Sub-Saharan African region and beyond. He is also a qualified and practising legal practitioner and boasts several professional accolades under his belt.

The survey seeks to position Zimbabwe as a leading service economy, with statistics showing that the potential of the services sector to induce growth in developing countries is promising.

The prestigious event will be hosted by ZB Financial Holdings (ZB), in partnership Tatu Advertising, Consumer Feedback Consultancy, and The Financial Gazette.

ZB Financial Holdings Limited has seen it worthwhile bankrolling this important annual survey, whose direct impact transcends various sectors of the economy, including tourism, public utilities, energy, real estate, banking, insurance, retail, education, healthcare, MSMEs, and the informal sector, among others.

“ZB Financial Holdings Limited is going beyond for you,” Group Chief Executive Shepherd Fungura said last week as he expressively shared his company’s deliberate efforts to promote Zimbabwe’s sustainable socio-economic development for shared prosperity.

“Our brand, ZBFHL is synonymous with happiness. That’s why our purpose is to improve lives through service. With a vision to be the leading globally acclaimed financial services firm of choice in Africa; that delivers happiness to its customers, employees, community, and other stakeholders, we are proud to invest in our nation and its people. This is so because when prosperity is shared, it brings happiness to everyone, which is what our brand stands for,” Dr. Fungura said and vowed that the group would continue playing its part in buttressing government, corporate, and community efforts in building a better Zimbabwe for everyone.

SOSES organising committee chairperson, Martin Matamisa, said: “We are excited to announce that we are ready to deliver a memorable 2024 State of the Service Economy Survey and ceremony.

Christopher Mugaga, the ZNCC chief executive officer.

“A competent team of adjudicators led by renowned chartered accountant and corporate leader, Manyara Chigunduru, has done its part and this year’s research team from Consumer Feedback Consultancy is ready to unveil this important national survey tonight.

“In a nutshell, and speaking on behalf of the organising committee and in line with our theme, “Going beyond — for you,” we are ready to share memorable experiences with our esteemed guests tonight, courtesy of ZB Financial Holdings, in partnership with the iconic Financial Gazette and Tatu Advertising,” said Matamisa.

In support of sustainable national growth, ZB Financial Holdings brand custodian, Emilliah Mabika, dedicated the company’s 2024 Service Economy Survey sponsorship to all loyal customers.

“The 2024 Service Economy Survey is for you, our valued customers, and all Zimbabweans as we invest ourselves in promoting the growth of our national economy anchored on service”, said Mabika as she challenged all brand custodians to put service at the core of their corporate strategies.

The services sector is increasingly becoming a vital cog in the global economy.

Worldwide Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey – produced by JPMorgan and S&P Global – signalled faster economic growth in October this year, albeit driven by the service sector – and mainly financial services.