Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts Editor
After 15 years of hosting the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) in various countries honouring Zimbabweans who have been exceptional in foreign lands, the organisers have decided to return home this year.
It is fact not fiction, that the 2025 edition of ZAA Zimbabwe marks a historic milestone — for the first time the awards and diaspora forum are being held in Harare.
This year’s event is set for August 29–30 at the Hyatt Hotel and will feature the inaugural ZAA Diaspora Forum (August 29) — focusing on investment opportunities, policy dialogue and national engagement, while the ZAA Global Honours Gala (August 30) will recognise Zimbabweans who are shaping the future across sectors such as business, media, music, innovation, public service and philanthropy.
It will run under the theme “Reimagining Home: The Diaspora and local collaboration as Nation Builders”, as it invites Zimbabweans abroad and at home to see each other as collaborators, not outsiders — and to build bridges that can move the nation forward.
Hosted by founding member Conrad Mwanza, the event will also coincide with the launch of his book “The Zimbabwean Dream”, adding a deeply reflective and visionary dimension to the celebration. In an interview with Zimpapers Arts Hub, Mwanza said preparations are at an advanced stage with all confirmed honourees jetting into the country in a weeks’ time ahead of the show on August 30.
“This year, we are honouring individuals who have made a global impact while maintaining a strong connection with Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The honourees include, business and media leaders, such as Sipho Dlamini (President, gamma Africa & Middle East), Munya Chanetsa (music executive), and Alan Majuru (ZimTrade CEO), artists and cultural ambassadors, such as Kamera (international producer).”
He added that diaspora entrepreneurs and philanthropists, who have invested in communities both abroad and back home will also make the list.
Asked about the selection criteria, Mwanza said, they focused on the impact and influence the personnel had in their industry or community.
“We looked at the contribution to Zimbabwe’s global reputation, the promotion of unity, excellence and the Zimbabwean identity, and how the diaspora-home engagement and leadership. The awards are curated by a global nominations and judging committee, guided by ZAA’s core values of integrity, excellence, and community upliftment.”
He said surprisingly the event is not a paid show but rather strictly by invitation.
“The event is strictly by invitation due to limited capacity and the exclusive nature of the awards. However, some access will be extended to partners, diaspora leaders, government stakeholders and select media. Opportunities for corporate hosting and sponsorships are available,” explained Mwanza.
He said this year is different from other editions in the sense that it is about special recognition, no nominees.
“The ZAA Zimbabwe Diaspora Forum and Awards is unique because it combines both a high-level diaspora engagement platform and the prestigious ZAA honours ceremony.
“Unlike other ZAA events held across the world which focus primarily on celebrating achievers within specific diaspora regions (eg UK, Canada, Australia), this Zimbabwe edition aims to reconnect the diaspora directly with their home country by hosting a diaspora forum that brings together business leaders, policy-makers, and diaspora stakeholders to explore investment, innovation, and collaboration,” he said.
“It will recognise global Zimbabweans and local champions who have made a significant impact in
foster diaspora-home relations and national progress.” However, the ZAA has not been hosted in Zimbabwe since its inception in 2010, the main reason was the original focus on honouring Zimbabweans in the diaspora across various global cities.
“The idea was to build a community abroad first, then bridge that influence back home when the time was right. With the evolving national discourse on diaspora inclusion, economic revival, and re-engagement, the time is now ideal for a homecoming edition,” said Mwanza
