Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Over 50 Zimbabweans, both local and those based in the diaspora, are set to be honoured this weekend at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) ceremony scheduled at Manna Resorts.
These include Tich Mataza, Joe Njagu, Bevan Makaka, Paida Hlambelo, Fungai Zvirawa, Scott Macmillian, Feli Nandi, Dj Fantan, Tabeth Levi, Melody, Magengezha, Josephine Svitsayi Mahachi, Monalisa Chisango, John Makombe, Taponeswa Mavunga, Brian Soko and Munyaradzi Chanetsa.
Those to be honoured have done and are still doing exceptionally well in their fields, putting Zimbabwe on the map.
According to the organisers, the diasporians have started coming for the award ceremony, which will begin with a ZAA Zimbabwe Diaspora Forum.
“The inaugural ZAA Diaspora Forum on Friday will focus on investment opportunities, policy dialogue and national engagement, while the ZAA Global Honours Gala the following day will recognise Zimbabweans who are shaping the future across sectors such as business, media, music, innovation, public service and philanthropy,” said ZAA founding member Conrad Mwanza.
“The awards are unique because they combine 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 such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Mwanza said this is the Zimbabwe edition which aims to reconnect the diaspora directly with their home country by hosting a Diaspora Forum that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and diaspora stakeholders to explore investment, innovation, and collaboration.
“We are recognising global Zimbabweans and local champions who have made a significant impact in fostering diaspora-home relations and national progress.”
“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,” said Mwanza.
He supported this idea of bringing back the show home after 15 years because of the evolving national discourse on diaspora inclusion, economic revival, and re-engagement.
“The 2025 edition of ZAA Zimbabwe marks a historic milestone — the first time the awards and diaspora forum are being held in Harare.” This edition also coincides with the launch of the book “The Zimbabwean Dream” by Conrad Mwanza, adding a deeply reflective and visionary dimension to the celebration.
“This year, we are honouring individuals who have made a global impact while maintaining a strong connection to Zimbabwe. Honourees include business and media leaders, artists and cultural ambassadors, diaspora entrepreneurs and philanthropists, who have invested in communities both abroad and back home.
Asked how they selected the honourees, he said they looked at the impact and influence in their industry or community, contribution to Zimbabwe’s global reputation, promotion of unity, excellence and the Zimbabwean identity and diaspora-home engagement and leadership, among others.
“The awards are curated by a global nominations and judging committee, guided by ZAA’s core values of integrity, excellence, and community upliftment.”
“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.”
He said this year’s theme is “Reimagining Home: The Diaspora and local collaboration as Nation Builders.”
“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.”
