Mimosa Mining Company was among the standout performers at the 2026 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Midlands Region Awards after scooping the prestigious Exporter of the Year Award, while the company’s General Manager, Mr Stephen Ndiyamba, was honoured with the coveted Business Leader of the Year accolade.
The awards ceremony, held at Village Lodge in Gweru, brought together business executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry stakeholders from across the Midlands Province to celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
Mimosa’s recognition as Exporter of the Year underscores the platinum producer’s continued contribution to Zimbabwe’s export earnings, foreign currency generation and industrial growth. As one of the country’s leading platinum mining companies, Mimosa has remained a critical player in the mining sector, contributing significantly to national output while creating employment opportunities and supporting local communities.
The recognition of Mr Ndiyamba as Business Leader of the Year further highlighted the impact of effective leadership in driving organisational success. The award acknowledges his stewardship of one of Zimbabwe’s most important mining operations and his contribution to business excellence within the Midlands Province and beyond.
The awards ceremony not only celebrated corporate achievements but also served as a platform for discussions around innovation, competitiveness and the future of business in an increasingly digital world.
Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, Algebra Tech Chief Executive Officer Mr Munyaradzi Gwatidzo challenged businesses to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that organisations that fail to adopt emerging technologies risk being overtaken by more innovative competitors.
Gwatidzo said technological advancements have fundamentally changed the business landscape, creating opportunities for companies regardless of their location.
“Now it doesn’t matter whether you are in Midlands or sitting in New York. You can still compete and build a business at the same level. What is important is understanding the tools that are available,” said Gwatidzo.
He noted that digital technologies and AI have democratized access to markets, information and business opportunities, allowing Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to compete on a global stage in ways that were previously unimaginable.
According to Gwatidzo, businesses must move beyond viewing Artificial Intelligence as a technology department issue and instead treat it as a strategic business imperative.
He said AI should be embedded into the core operations of organisations and become part of long-term business planning.
“The businesses that are going to thrive in the future are those that understand that Artificial Intelligence is not just IT infrastructure. It must become part of your core business strategy and how you operate,” he said.
Gwatidzo urged delegates not to delay adopting the technology, stressing that AI is already transforming industries around the world and creating significant competitive advantages for early adopters.
“Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. It is not going anywhere. The sooner you embrace it, the sooner you incorporate it into your business, the sooner you start enjoying the benefits that come from it,” he said.
He explained that AI-powered technologies are helping businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences and make better decisions through data-driven insights.
In commerce and retail, AI is enabling businesses to analyse consumer behaviour, identify market trends and develop more targeted marketing strategies.
The technology is also opening new opportunities for businesses involved in e-commerce by helping them reach customers beyond traditional geographical boundaries.
For the agricultural sector, Gwatidzo said AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for improving productivity and decision-making.
Through predictive analytics, farmers can monitor weather patterns, optimise planting schedules, improve resource allocation and increase yields.
“In agriculture, you can increase productivity and yields through predictive analytics brought about by Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
The mining industry is similarly benefiting from technological advances, with AI increasingly being used to improve exploration activities and operational efficiency.
Gwatidzo said mining companies can utilise Artificial Intelligence to identify mineral deposits more accurately, analyse geological data and improve the precision of extraction processes.
“If you are in mining, Artificial Intelligence can help you prospect more accurately. You can understand where the mineral is, determine its concentration and improve precision in your mining operations,” he said.
He added that many global technology experts believe Artificial Intelligence has the potential to create more wealth and entrepreneurial opportunities than any previous technological revolution, making it essential for businesses to position themselves early.
The keynote address resonated with delegates who are navigating an increasingly competitive economic environment characterised by rapid technological advancement and changing consumer expectations.
Beyond the awards presentations, the event provided an opportunity for business leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen networks and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The ZNCC Midlands Region Awards continue to serve as an important platform for recognising business excellence while encouraging innovation, resilience and competitiveness among companies operating within the province.
For Mimosa Mining Company, the evening represented a significant acknowledgement of both corporate performance and leadership excellence. The company’s Exporter of the Year award and Mr Ndiyamba’s Business Leader of the Year recognition reflected not only the organisation’s success but also the important role the mining sector continues to play in driving economic growth, export earnings and employment creation in Zimbabwe.
As the awards ceremony concluded, one message stood out clearly from both the award winners and keynote presentations: the future belongs to businesses that are innovative, adaptable and willing to embrace new technologies while continuing to deliver value to customers, shareholders and the broader economy.
