Online Reporter
Online Reporter
Women have stormed the ranks of the country’s corporate elite, securing 16 out of 40 spots on the prestigious CEO Africa Roundtable Top 40 Young CEOs list.
This emerged at the CEO Africa Roundtable Top 40 Young CEO Awards held in Harare last Thursday.
The number of women on the list signals a seismic shift in the nation’s business landscape, proving that female executives are extending their influence across key economic sectors.
The full list of the 17 outstanding women recognised for their leadership includes: Sandy Bare, Gillian Munyanyi, Nennice Chinhara, Daisy Chavundura, Ashleigh Nyambirai, Nomaliso Musasiwa, Tinevimbo Makumbe, Cheu Pswarayi, Yevai Makoni, Caroline Mbofana, Alethea Taruwinga, Chiedza Mombeshora, Primrose Tanyanyiwa, Hezel Sibanda, Primrose Chakuchichi, and Dr Thandiwe Munaiwa.
In a statement, organisers of the CEO Africa Roundtable said:
“To every honouree: keep pushing boundaries, keep rewriting the playbook, keep leading with impact. You are proof that leadership has no age limit. Congratulations to the trailblasers shaping industries, creating jobs and redefining excellence.”
In an interview, Dr Thandiwe Munaiwa, who is redefining the standards of plastic and reconstructive surgery, said she has carried out over 500 procedures. The Chitungwiza – born surgeon said her story is a powerful narrative of local excellence achieving global relevance.
“Being nominated for the CEO Africa Roundtable Top 40 Young CEOs award was deeply humbling,” she said. “I believe it reflects not just surgical volume or visibility, but leadership in systems building. Running a surgical practice requires governance, ethics, team development, compliance, patient safety structures and strategic growth. We have been intentional about building a practice that prioritises safety protocols, training, documentation and accountability—not shortcuts.”
She said true leadership transcends individual success.
The strong shown by female executives at the awards underscores the growing depth of leadership talent among young Zimbabwean women.
Speakers at the awards ceremony said women are increasingly taking the helm in previously male-dominated industries ranging from agriculture, mining, construction, finance and retail to healthcare and technology.
