Online Reporter
KUTSAGA chief executive officer Dr Frank Magama was crowned CEO of the Year at the 2025 CEO Africa Roundtable Annual Banquet, an event that honoured outstanding corporate leadership and exceptional business performance across the country.
Dr Magama was celebrated for demonstrating visionary leadership and decisiveness in steering Kutsaga to sustained growth and stronger institutional impact.
Organisers of the event, the CEO Roundtable, said his work has set new benchmarks in governance, innovation and stakeholder engagement, positioning him as one of the most influential executives in Zimbabwe’s agribusiness and research sectors.
According to the adjudication panel, the 2025 CEO of the Year award recognises a leader who has delivered measurable excellence while upholding ethical standards and sound management practices.
A distinguished research-driven executive, Dr Magama is credited with spearheading transformative initiatives within the organisation, fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable solutions that support community livelihoods.
Colleagues describe him as a forward-looking professional committed to innovation, mentorship and advancing the sector’s long-term growth.
“This year’s CEO of the Year is recognised for outstanding business performance and exemplary strategic leadership across their sector. They have demonstrated vision and decisiveness in guiding their organisation to sustained growth and impact. Their leadership has set benchmarks in governance, innovation and stakeholder engagement. Anchored in ethical leadership and sound management, they embody the highest standard of excellence in corporate leadership,” said the adjudication team.
The ceremony also honoured rising leadership talent, with Ms Yevai Makoni, CEO of Just Property, being named Young CEO of the Year. Ms Makoni was recognised for delivering strong business performance and demonstrating visionary leadership at an early stage in her executive career.
Judges highlighted her role in transforming customer and stakeholder experience through innovative property solutions and modernised service delivery models.
Her focus on operational efficiency, service innovation and market responsiveness has strengthened the competitiveness of Just Property and enhanced its standing in the real estate sector.
Organisers noted that Ms Makoni exemplifies the qualities of the next generation of corporate leaders — ethical, resilient, innovative and driven by long-term value creation.
“This year’s Young CEO of the Year is recognised for outstanding business performance and visionary corporate leadership at an early stage. They have transformed customer and stakeholder experience through innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies. Their drive for product, service or operational innovation has strengthened competitiveness and industry impact. Guided by ethical leadership and sound management, they exemplify excellence, resilience and promise for the future.”
Other winners included Mr Emmanuel Chitowamombe, CEO of Kopje Spare Parts Distributors, who walked away the winner in the retail sector, where he got recognition for steering the company through an increasingly competitive market while expanding its footprint nationwide.
The Insurance Sector Award went to Douglas Hoto, group CEO of First Mutual Holdings, for successfully leading the organisation’s diversification drive and strengthening its capital position despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
In health, Baines Avenue Clinic CEO Leticia Gaga was honoured for expanding access to quality healthcare and championing digital health solutions aimed at improving medical service delivery.
The ICT sector accolade was awarded to Mr Never Ncube, CEO of Dandemutande, in recognition of the company’s continued investment in digital infrastructure and cloud-based solutions powering Zimbabwe’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Tourism and hospitality saw Mrs Joy Mataruka, CEO of Manna Resorts, receiving high praise for positioning the establishment as a premium destination and contributing to Zimbabwe’s tourism recovery momentum.
In the financial sector, Dr Shepherd Fungura, Group CEO of ZB Financial Holdings, was awarded the Banking Sector Award for leading the modernisation of the financial group and overseeing solid growth in digital banking platforms.
The Education Sector Award went to Mrs Salome Mutsinze, CEO of the Mother Touch Group of Schools, for innovation in blended learning and expanding access to quality private education.
Regulation was also recognised, with Dr Gift Machengete, director-general of Potraz, receiving the Regulatory Leadership Award for spearheading initiatives to broaden digital inclusion and strengthen telecoms oversight.
The Professional Services Award was presented to Mrs Peace Pundu, CEO of Golden Knot, for excellence in corporate advisory services and strategic consulting.
Real estate leadership was awarded to Dr Mike Juru, CEO of Integrated Properties, who was honoured for championing sustainable property development and market innovation.
The 2025 CEO Africa Roundtable Annual Banquet drew participation from top business leaders, policymakers and investors, celebrating excellence and leadership shaping the future of regional business.
The awards spanned major sectors including banking, ICT, insurance, health, tourism, real estate, agribusiness and professional services — each acknowledging executives who demonstrated exceptional performance and strategic leadership over the past year.
Bongani Ndlovu