Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza, Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited, the country’s largest media group, says it has evolved in a new media era where the landscape continues to be shaped by rapid digitalisation, shifting audience behaviours and the widespread use of social media.
Group chairperson Mrs Doreen Sibanda, during the company’s 98th Annual General Meeting, said proactive strategies and operational agility had enabled the group to remain adaptive and future-focused.
“We are now in a new media era, a new Zimpapers whereby the group has embraced the evolving media landscape, cementing its reputation as a trusted and ethical voice in Zimbabwe’s digital space,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda said the group had strengthened its commitment to responsible journalism while deepening engagement across the various platforms through verified content and real-time dialogue with its audiences.
She highlighted that radio continued to command interested audiences and provide advertisements with powerful reach.
“Although television encounters structural challenges primarily due to infrastructure and regulatory costs, we widened our national presence by broadcasting through the ZTN Prime on DStv Channel 294, ensuring viewers across Zimbabwe can access our compelling content,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda said that with mobile and internet penetration on the rise, the group’s digital-first strategy yielded outstanding results.
“In 2024, we grew our digital audience from 8,9 million to 10,5 million across platforms, supported by advanced analytics that deepen our understanding of the audience engagement, preferences and consumption patterns.
“This strong digital momentum reinforces our role as a market leader in content innovation and multimedia storytelling,” she said.
In an update on year-to-date performance, acting chief executive officer Mr William Chikoto said the group anticipates continued growth in digital media consumption, increased demand for interactive content and deeper integration of artificial intelligence to enhance engagement and personalisation.
“Our commitment to ethical journalism, audience trust and data privacy remains unwavering.
“With a renewed sense of purpose and bold ambition, Zimpapers is well-positioned to shape the media future in Zimbabwe and beyond,” he said.
Mr Chikoto said by embracing programmatic advertising and engaging with social platforms, the group had positioned itself to unlock revenue streams and deliver value to advertisers. “Ongoing marketing research shows we remain at the forefront of advertising innovation.”
Mr Chikoto said that throughout the changes within the group, the spirit of Zimpapers, its people, innovation and collective resolve remain undiminished. “We are not just adapting to change, but we are shaping it,” he said.
Mr Chikoto added that a clear vision and bold strategies were helping the group to reach audiences and partners, positioning Zimpapers to seize new opportunities to build sustainable growth.
Acting chief financial officer Mrs Anna Kufakunesu, in a presentation of the group’s financial performance, said in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), strategic opportunities and new initiatives would sustain the growth and sustainable profitability.
She added that the dynamic operating landscape, which is characterised by rapid technological changes, demanded agility and innovation, qualities that Zimpapers has prepared in its transformation strategy.
“The company is implementing new advertising events, Zimpapers Media Institute, to complement traditional revenue streams. These initiatives, along with the broad company vision to renew commercial businesses and other alternative platforms, are aimed at creating an enormous new revenue opportunity,” she said.
Ms Kufakunesu noted that in the commercial printing division, revenue growth was anticipated through asset recapitalisation and cost-effective efficiencies, supported by a strong order book and ongoing modernisation.
“The digital transformation is Zimpapers’ long-term strategy, and the company is changing its vision in line with advanced artificial intelligence and technology.
“This transformation enhances the ability to produce high-quality, innovative content for the audience.
“At the same time, cost-optimisation efforts are underway across all divisions, including realigning the cost structure and efficient improvements in the commercial printing division.
“Investment in automation and workflow innovation are expected to boost productivity and profitability amid economic pressure,” said Mrs Kufakunesu.
She indicated that to future-proof operations, Zimpapers is prioritising capital investments in information technology upgrades, newsroom upgrades and artificial intelligence adoption.
“These efforts will improve content delivery and operational efficiencies. Staff training is also a key focus, ensuring teams are well-equipped to leverage new technologies,” said Mrs Kufakunesu.
She noted that despite economic challenges, the company remains committed to delivering long-term shareholder value through diversification, digital acceleration, cost discipline, and innovation. For the 2024 financial year, the Board decided not to declare a dividend to preserve cash flow for ongoing investments.
