DPC intensifies sustainability drive through executive leadership training

The Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC) has stepped up its commitment to sustainable financial sector development after hosting a high-level Leadership for Sustainability training workshop for its executive leadership and management team in Harare.

The strategic engagement, held on Thursday, brought together senior officials, sustainability experts from a Swedish sustainability and Leadership institution; Diamond Leadership Academy who are represented by the Zimbabwe Sunshine Group in Zimbabwe to strengthen institutional capacity in continuously advancing and staying ahead of the curve in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.

DPC chief executive officer Mr Hopewell Zinyau said the training marked a critical milestone in the organisation’s transition from policy intent to tangible impact.

“Today we take an important step in our journey of moving from intent to impact as we ensure that our aspirations for sustainability are matched by leadership, capability and performance,” he said.

Mr Zinyau underscored the Corporation’s ambition to position itself as a leader among State-owned enterprises and within the financial services sector in adopting global sustainability frameworks while delivering local impact.

The workshop was facilitated by international leadership experts Mr Stanley Nyoni and Ms Philippine Linn, co-founders of the Diamond Leadership Academy, who brought extensive global experience in organisational transformation and sustainable leadership development.

Mr Nyoni, a Zimbabwean-born sustainability expert with vast experience across Europe, Asia and Africa, emphasised the need for institutions to bridge critical gaps that hinder effective ESG implementation.

“These gaps are not about lack of intent, but rather a disconnect between commitment, competency and performance. Organisations must align their systems, leadership and long-term vision to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes,” he said.

Ms Linn, an executive coach and leadership trainer with over two decades of experience, highlighted the importance of cultivating self-awareness and team cohesion in driving institutional change.

“Sustainable leadership begins with individuals who are self-aware and connected, and who can translate vision into collective action that delivers lasting transformation,” she said.

The training also featured contributions from the Zimbabwe Sunshine Group, DPC’s ESG collaborative partner, which has been instrumental in supporting the Corporation’s sustainability initiatives.

Zimbabwe Sunshine Group co-founder and chief operating officer Mr Cliff Chivanga said partnerships remain central to advancing sustainability goals across institutions.

“Our collaboration with DPC demonstrates that sustainability is best achieved through shared expertise and long-term commitment. By working together, we are building practical solutions that strengthen institutional resilience and deliver measurable impact,” he said.

Mr Zinyau acknowledged the role played by the Zimbabwe Sunshine Group, particularly in areas such as waste management and sustainability reporting, describing the partnership as “indispensable” in the Corporation’s ESG journey.

The interactive workshop focused on equipping participants with practical tools to address key challenges in sustainable banking, including balancing profitability with environmental responsibility, navigating regulatory demands and fostering innovation.

Participants engaged in diagnostic assessments to identify organisational gaps and explored globally recognised frameworks such as the ABCD process, designed to translate sustainability ambitions into actionable strategies.

The DPC said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to knowledge sharing, innovation and the development of resilient financial institutions that contribute to national economic stability.

As Zimbabwe’s financial sector increasingly aligns with global sustainability standards, such initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening governance systems and promoting long-term value creation.