Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
ZIMPAPERS Group chief executive officer Mr William Chikoto was among 20 business leaders honoured for excellence, innovation and resilience at the 2026 Megafest Top 20 Business Awards in Harare.
Mr Chikoto received the Top 20 Men in Business and Leadership of the Year 2026 Award.
The ceremony, which was held on Wednesday, recognised business leaders and organisations for their contribution to the country’s economic development. Now in its 18th year, the awards have become a platform for celebrating businesses and individuals whose leadership, innovation and perseverance are helping drive the economy.
Megafest Holdings chief executive officer Ms Mercy Sibanda-Matsika said the longevity of the awards reflected the importance of recognising those driving the economy.
“Eighteen years represents a remarkable journey.
“It is a journey built on the belief that the people and organisations driving our economy deserve to be recognised, celebrated and encouraged to continue raising the standard of excellence,” she said.
She said this year’s recipients had distinguished themselves through their contribution, innovation, leadership, resilience and impact. Ms Sibanda-Matsika said recognition also came with a responsibility for business leaders to translate success into wider benefits for society.
“Tonight is not simply about receiving an award. Recognition is also a reminder of responsibility,” she said.
“As business leaders, we have a responsibility to continue innovating, to create opportunities, to develop people, to build sustainable enterprises and to contribute meaningfully to the communities in which we operate.”
She said sustainable business success was supported by employees, partners, customers, suppliers, investors, families and communities.
Celebrating resilience
Megafest Holdings Advisory Board vice president Ms Susan Makore said the awards acknowledged the determination and sacrifices behind successful enterprises.
“Behind every business represented in this room is a story. There are sacrifices, long hours, difficult decisions, risks taken and, above all, the determination to keep moving forward,” she said.
Ms Makore said business success should be measured beyond financial performance, with employment creation, community impact and opportunities for future generations also being important indicators.
“Success is not measured only by financial achievement. It is also measured by the people we employ, the opportunities we create, the communities we impact and the inspiration we provide to those who are coming after us,” she said.
She commended Megafest Holdings for sustaining the awards over the past 18 years, saying such platforms encouraged businesses to innovate, create opportunities and contribute to economic development.
Ms Makore is the board chairperson of the Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention and Support Organisation, a board member of Gender Media Connect, a founding trustee of PROWEB and a commissioner of the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
She previously served as group chief executive officer of AB Communications.
She is the managing director of WAN-IFRA’s Women in News programme.
