Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
PROMINENT businessman Mr Tawanda Nyambirai has challenged Zimbabweans to rethink their approach to investment and ownership, saying a shift in mindset is critical to unlocking wealth creation and accelerating economic growth.
Speaking as guest of honour at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Annual Business Awards 2026 in Bulawayo on Friday evening, Mr Nyambirai said many people remain excluded from investment opportunities because they believe they must own assets before they can invest.
The awards were held under the theme: “From Resilience to Competitiveness: Charting a New Path for Sustainable Industrial Growth.”
Mr Nyambirai said the biggest obstacle to wealth creation was not the lack of capital but the failure to appreciate the power of pooling resources and building wealth gradually.
Quoting Chief Koti, he said: “A lot of money is little money put together.”
“Investment is not about having a lot of money. It is about the ability to put together small amounts of money so that they accumulate to become a lot of money,” he said.
“We need to change our mindset in regards to property ownership. It’s not necessary to want to own 100 percent of something if you cannot afford it. Start small, building up from one percent until you get to 100 percent, putting the small amounts of money together until they accumulate.”
Mr Nyambirai, who was named Zimbabwe’s Businessman of the Year in 2009, advocated for the adoption of fractional ownership as a practical and inclusive investment model.
“The system I’m pushing for these days is fractional ownership. Fractional ownership of houses, fractional ownership of stands, fractional ownership of cattle, fractional ownership of anything that is capable of being owned. You can own a percentage of it and then build up until you own the whole,” he said.
He said the model lowers barriers to entry, allows ordinary citizens to participate in investment opportunities and encourages a culture of consistent investing.
“That’s the change of mindset that I’m advocating for,” he said.
In his remarks, ZNCC Matabeleland vice-president Mr Gerald Zhou said the awards challenged businesses to move beyond merely surviving difficult economic conditions and focus on becoming globally competitive, productive and sustainable.
ZNCC Matabeleland president Mr Mduduzi Ndlovu said entrepreneurs and investors remain central to economic growth through their commitment to creating value and employment opportunities.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, represented by Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni, said the Government was working closely with the private sector to address key infrastructure challenges, including water, energy, roads, health and education.
She said growing investor interest in manufacturing, mining, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, education and technology reflected increasing confidence in Bulawayo’s economic prospects.
Minister Ncube noted that agro-processing had recorded significant growth over the past three years, particularly in livestock-related industries, raising hopes for the revival of the livestock sector.
“Bulawayo’s strategic location and industrial infrastructure position it as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She highlighted several developments strengthening the city’s economy, including the expansion of industrial properties, infrastructure rehabilitation, recovery of mining-related value chains, increased trading activity and stronger international partnerships.
The minister commended ZNCC for creating a platform that promotes competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Tonight’s gathering is particularly significant because it comes at a time when we must shift from resilience to competitiveness,” she said.
ZNCC past president Dr Obert Sibanda outlined the awards’ adjudication process and invited delegates to attend the ZNCC Annual Congress 2026, scheduled for June 24 to 27 at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
He described the congress as an important platform where business leaders, policymakers and development partners engage on solutions to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment.
Meanwhile, more than 50 businesses and individuals were recognised for excellence and outstanding performance across various sectors in the Matabeleland region.
Enock Construction director Mr Butho Dube was named Businessman of the Year and also emerged as the Overall Winner.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr Dube applauded the organisers and said the recognition would motivate his company to continue delivering quality services.
“As Enock Construction, we promise quality work for the people of Bulawayo. We will continue growing and delivering without disappointing the people who continue to support us,” he said.
Oakley House School director Dr Sikhathele Msakwa won the Businesswoman of the Year award, while the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bulawayo Abattoir.
Mr Khumbulani Nkomo of Trukumb Holdings received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Dinson Colliery was named Investor of the Year and Ches Everitt International won the Best Emerging Business of the Year Award among winners recognised in more than 25 categories.
ZNCC Awards winners
1. Customer Service Award: Swiss Express
2. Tour Operator of the Year: CAG
3. Tertiary Institution of the Year Award: National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
4. Best Financial Institution Supporting SMEs: CBZ Holdings
5. Public Enterprise of the Year: ZITF
6. Best SME of the Year (manufacturing): Seedlings on 44
7. Innovation of the Year: Ecobank
8. SDG Award: Blanket Mine.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility: Rugare/Hlalani Kuhle
10. Community Service and Humanitarian: Usizo Foundation Trust
11. Exporter of the Year (Agriculture) Award: Zambezi Crocodile
12. Exporter of the Year (Horticulture): Bishopstone Estate.
13. Exporter of the Year (Manufacturing): Treger
14. Exporter of the Year (Mining): Kamativi Mining Company
15. Investment Ambassador of the Year: Ginger Lovers Lavida
16. Young Entreprenuer of the Year: Dr Langa Moyo of Comrade Beverages
17. Sustainable Cultural Heritage and Tourism Award: Chief Dakamela
18. Rural Business Person of the year: Mr Joshua Mhlanga of All Colors
19. Businessman of the Year Award: Mr Butho Dube of Enock Construction
20. Businesswoman of the year: Oakley House School director Dr Sikhathelwe Msakwa
21. Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Mr Khumbulani Nkomo of Trukumb Holding
22. Lifetime Achievement Award: Bulawayo Abattoir
23. Investor of the Year: Dinson Colliery
24. Best Emerging Business of the Year: Ches Everitt International
25. Overall winner: Mr Butho Dube of Enock Construction
