Latwell Nyangu
Masvingo-born brothers have made an in impact in the UK after they were recognised for excellence in financial services, public service, diversity and inclusion.
The Zimbabwean brothers Vincent and Jameson Mashakada were recently double honoured at the UK–Zimbabwe Business Expo Awards 2026.
Vincent, an author and financial services professional, received the Excellence in Financial Services Award, recognising his contribution to the sector and his growing financial literacy work through the Money Was Never Taught financial re-education movement. His book, Money Was Never Taught: A Financial Re-Education Manual for the Ambitious and the Global Diaspora, reached the Top 3 in its Amazon category following its release.
His brother, Jameson, MBE, received the Honorary Award for Excellence in Public Services, Diversity and Inclusion, adding another milestone to a year in which he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The double recognition was a proud moment for the Mashakada family, whose roots are in Masvingo, and highlighted the contribution Zimbabweans continue to make in the diaspora across financial services, public service and community development.
In an interview, Jameson said,:
“It is a real privilege and honour to be recognised by His Majesty The King, but there is something truly incredible and extra special about being honoured, recognised and celebrated by your own.
“When I was awarded the MBE by His Majesty The King, the recognition was for leadership, public service, community service, making an impact and making a difference in people’s lives. “It was also a recognition of my commitment to creating a culture and environment where people, regardless of their background, ethnicity or circumstances, can thrive, succeed and reach their full potential.”
For Vincent, the latest recognition represents something bigger than personal achievement.
“I am deeply honoured, but this award is bigger than one person.
“It is recognition of the financial re-education movement.
“Many of us grew up without anyone teaching us about money. Now we are having those conversations and passing that knowledge to the next generation.”
Alongside Vincent’s professional career, the movement has particularly sought to reach Zimbabweans and other diaspora communities navigating financial life away from home while continuing to support families, build assets and invest back home.
Vincent says his longer-term ambition is to see practical financial literacy reach young people before they enter adulthood, including through schools and community programmes in Zimbabwe. He believes financial education should complement academic education by equipping young people with practical knowledge about earning, saving, investing, ownership and building assets.
“This is not the end of the journey. It gives us more reason to keep going.
“At this pace, I believe we can break the cycle in our lifetime.
“The message remains simple: “Money Was Never Taught — Until Now.”
For the Mashakada brothers, the recognition represents two different professional journeys connected by a common thread service, education and creating opportunities for others.
Money Was Never Taught is available for both local and international markets.
