All set for second edition of Bulawayo Business Awards

Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporters

ALL is set for the second edition of the Bulawayo Business Awards (BBA) scheduled for Saturday at the Zimbabwe Music Academy where entrepreneurs and businesses will be acknowledged for their remarkable contributions across various fields.

Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Simelisizwe Sibanda will be the guest of honour at the awards ceremony.

Last year, notable figures that were awarded included Never Ncube for Best CEO in the corporate sector (UTANDE), Buntu Foods Pvt Ltd for Best Local Food Product of the Year, and Violet Mhute, recognised as Outstanding Business Woman of the Year.

Other distinguished awards included Nokukhanya Masumbika as Best Upcoming Female Entrepreneur, Tapfuma Gurajena for Business Excellence and Leadership, and Xolani Dube for Outstanding CEO of the Year (Slice Pizzeria).

Event organiser Mr Philimon Nyirenda said they have also lined up a number of guest speakers that include the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works responsible for Local Authorities and Traditional Leadership Albert Mavunga.

“The awards are designed to support and honour local excellence in entrepreneurship and business. By celebrating these trailblazers, we are not just handing out trophies but we are also promoting a culture of competitive excellence that directly boosts our local economy.

“By empowering Bulawayo businesses we are encouraging them to seriously consider adopting a 24-hour economy just like in other major cities around the world,” said Mr Nyirenda.

“This year’s awards pivot heavily toward championing economic self-reliance and shining a spotlight on home grown industries, proof that Bulawayo is still a leader in manufacturing goods that meet international standards.

“Furthermore, the ceremony will underscore the critical importance of value addition. Instead of relying on the export of raw materials, the celebrated enterprises are being recognised for converting local resources into high-value finished products,” he said.