Business Events – Page 4 – Your business events industry news website

CXAZ Annual Convention 2024: A speaker, delegate’s perspective

by Editorial Team November 14, 2024

written by Editorial Team

Farai Mwakutuya

Last week I attended and spoke at the Customer Experience Association of Zimbabwe (CXAZ) Annual Convention. My presentation highlighted the Riana Group’s innovative and customisable digital solutions that help businesses to generate real time customer feedback and optimise efficiency about the evolution from Customer Service to Customer Experience.

Customer Service focuses on reacting to problems, essentially acting as a “pain killer,” while customer experience is more proactive – adopting a holistic transformation of how customers experience your brand, making it a growth lever that builds loyalty, brand advocacy and long-term growth.

I thoroughly enjoyed the highly insightful presentations from the other high-level speakers including CBZ Holdings Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer, Matilda Nyathi (who) spoke about the inescapable impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and how customer experience practitioners can utilise it to improve productivity and efficiency. She highlighted that, unlike the case with other technologies, Africa is starting on the same page as the rest of the world, as no one has a head start on this increasingly pervasive technology.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Human Resources and Administration Director, Cleopas Chiketa gave examples of how leading global brands have adopted a customer-centric philosophy which local companies should seek to emulate.

Winfield Strategy and Innovation Managing Director, Precious Murena-Nyika made a highly relevant and thought-provoking presentation about navigating the corporate political landscape.

Steward Bank Chief Executive Officer, Courage Mashavave made the poignant observation that the only competitive advantage a business has is its people (HR) and how it makes its customers feel. Therefore, customer experience should no longer be viewed as merely a cost centre, but a value adding function that contributes to the “bottom-line.”

The general consensus from the convention was that AI will have a fundamental impact on customer experience by giving businesses the tools to improve how they anticipate customer needs and proactively address them. We should therefore embrace it fully.

Farai Mwakutuya is an international journalist, television and radio presenter, master of ceremonies and event moderator.

November 14, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings

Earground, ZAR line up Amplifaya Creative Business Conference

by Editorial Team November 12, 2024

written by Editorial Team

The Zimbabwean and African arts culture proponents, Earground and events management company, ZAR Events are putting together a creative business conference which is set to be held at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare, on Tuesday next week.

“Attention creatives, artists, businesses, and institutions partnering with the creative industry—this is for you. Join us for the Amplifaya Creative Business Conference 2024—a ground-breaking event bringing artists and corporate leaders together under one roof to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s creative economy,” Earground Chief Curator, Plot Mhako (pictured) posted on LinkedIn today.

“This landmark event brings together Zimbabwe’s creative arts sector and the business community to foster collaboration, network, develop world-class creative products, and unlock new opportunities within the local creative economy.

“The conference will convene creative and cultural curators, business leaders, government representatives, and cultural heads from civic society for dynamic discussions with creatives across all fields. It is a unique platform for professionals from film, music, dance, visual arts, fashion, events, and more to connect, innovate, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s creative landscape,” reads the description of the event on its website.

The event features a stellar lineup of speakers from various backgrounds to speak on different issues affecting the local creative industry.

Some of the speakers include entrepreneur, Ken Sharpe who will tackle the topic “Building sustainable creative and private sector partnerships,” and TV producer, Monalisa Chisango who will speak on “The quality of our products: creating for the international market.” Event manager, Elton Kurima will be a panelist during discussions on “Unexplained opportunities and possibilities for the Zimbabwean creative industries.”

Other speakers include Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Palmer Mugavha, Delta Corporation Corporate Affairs General Manager, Patricia Murambinda and film producer, Marian Kunonga. Registration for the event, whose entry is free, is ongoing

November 12, 2024 0 comment

Exhibitions

Exhibition stand design key in telling unique brand stories

by Editorial Team October 28, 2024

written by Editorial Team

The design of an exhibition stand plays a pivotal role in enabling exhibitors to use shows to meet their objectives and targets. Business Events (BE) sat down with The Designs Plug Business Development Manager, Justice Dube (Justice) to discuss this issue.

The designs entity, which specialises in brand design, graphic design, print design, logo design, visual design, packaging design and presentation design branched into exhibition stand design this year and intends to provide stand construction services in the near future.

We reproduce the interview below.

BE: You designed an outstanding exhibition stand which Net One used for the 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo in Bulawayo last month. In your view, how important is such a stand for an exhibiting customer?

Justice: When a client participates in an exhibition they need to be outstanding. So we are there to make sure that when they exhibit everybody comes to admire their stand and acknowledge that it is outstanding. The stands that we design for our clients should be adjudged as the best and bag awards at during major shows such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. They should shine and when they do so it becomes a source of joy for us.

BE: When designing an exhibition stand, what factors do you consider?

Justice: What usually happens is that when we are designing a stand like we did for Net One, customers come up with what they want. In this case they said, ’We should have three desks, two TV sets and we need screens and stuff like that.’ So our clients come up with specifications of the items they want accommodated in the stand and included in the design. It is now our job to include the items like three service desks, reception desk, a sitting area or lounge were people can sit and discuss. We do the architecture of the floor plan of the stand and the 3-D rendering so that those who are going to construct the stand have the correct specifications of what needs to be done.

BE: Obviously one customer differs from the other and their exhibition stand needs are unique depending on who they are and their objectives and so on. Generally what kind of information should a customer provide you when they commission you guys to design a stand?

Justice: When approached to design a stand, first of all we ask what the purpose of the stand is. The last design we did for Net One, the company was launching their 5-G technology at Boka in Harare and the stand included a smart health clinic, so we needed to incorporate that. And they also had other organisations exhibiting within their stand so we had to figure out how to fit everyone in a Net One-branded stand. So the main specification we ask our customers is the purpose of the stand. We need to know how much space we have so that we design knowing whether the available space can accommodate what the customer wants.

Exhibition stands are regarded as small issues but they should speak big volumes in terms of impact. For example, with a three by four metre stand a designer should do wonders and make sure that everything fits within the space without crowding it. The customer’s staff should be able to happily spend a week in the stand and it should be easy for them to navigate. When visitors come through the stand, they should not be congested.

We also ask for information on the number of people that will be manning the stand, the kind of activities that will take place so that we can design accordingly. Designing and setting up a stand is like moving the customer’s office to a temporary office at the exhibition venue. Everything should work smoothly at the end of the day.

BE: We have spoken to some people who do the construction of the stands. Some of their frustrations included customers coming late presenting contractors with very tight deadlines. They have also complained of customers coming demanding very high quality stands but armed with very disproportionately small budgets. What have been your experiences in this regard? What kind of frustrations have you encountered?

Justice: We have not yet been in the game for long but obviously when people are planning to participate in exhibitions the last thing they think of is saka stand yedu inenge yakaita seyi (what will our stand be like)? They usually think about the stand after planning for all the other exhibition participation aspects. Obviously the deadlines will be tight but we have to do it and deliver. It’s one of those jobs that we have come to know as usually coming with a tight deadline. They request for designs that make it easy for them to work with stand contractors.

In this game it’s very tough. I think the only way of dealing with the tight deadlines is being ready for the exhibition season and its demands. Given that some major events like the ZITF and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show have known slots on the national events calendar, we should be prepared to spend some sleepless nights because we know that those are our busiest times.

BE: Stands at most exhibitions are the shell scheme type which is very basic and common across the exhibition hall floor. There is very little differentiation which enables exhibitors’ efforts to stand out. In your view, what can exhibitors in such circumstances do to make their stands stand out thereby improving the chances of them meeting their objectives and targets?

Justice: I think what enables the exhibitors to stand out is the branding part. Yes, we all have a similar stand but is the branding similar? How exhibitors portray their brand message matters. We may have been fed the same message but what separates us is how we express ourselves. A stand expresses itself through the way it is branded. When visitors see an outstanding stand they will be attracted to it and venture in to visit the stand. The stand is supposed to communicate the brand because how an exhibitor tells their story through branding separates them from other exhibitors that are using similar shell scheme stands. So you stand out by how you present yourself – how you brand yourself – and also how your stand staff is branded. They should be well-branded.

BE: Talking of the branding of the stand staff, what does that involve?

Justice: Usually when exhibiting participants always have a story they want to tell about their brand. They have a lot things happening at their companies but they choose one or a few which they story tell about. Coming up with the story entails informing the stand designers of the aspects which will be part of the brand message and story. It involves deciding how the exhibitor will showcase their innovations, products and services, how stand staff will talk to visitors and how they will dress.

For you to stand out does not mean showcasing every good or service that your company offers. When an exhibitor decides on their brand story, we put is out in design so that their stand will be so memorable that visitors will not only concern themselves with the showcased goods and services but the company’s whole range. We have seen this with big companies like Econet. They have specific issues, goods or services which they bring to specific shows. This includes intruding the 5G technology or the robot which they showcased during the 2024 ZITF edition. This makes the company stand out at most exhibitions.

BE: Anything that you wish your customers and prospects to know about the services that you offer?

Justice: We are the Designs Plug. We are people who make visuals appealing and stand out, from logo designs, brand identity design, marketing materials like flyers. We are there to tell companies’ stories from the beginning and we are there for them. The company that we create a logo for, we will do the rest of the branding for them.

BE: Anything else?

Justice: How we put ourselves out there as businesses and organisations matters. How our stories are told matters. We need to put our brands out there uniquely and ensure that whenever we do what we do we stand out. Business is a game where with a lot of players. We are offering similar services but what makes one stand out is the story that they tell and how they tell it. The story may be how one’s company is solving a particular problem or how it makes its customers feel when they consume its products or services.

October 28, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings

Transformative dialogue at inaugural Africa Business Connex – Business Leader Series

by Editorial Team October 24, 2024

written by Editorial Team

The South African city of Johannesburg hosted the ground-breaking inaugural Africa Business Connex – Business Leader Series on Tuesday this week.

The event marked a significant milestone in celebrating and exploring the transformative power of the creative industries across Africa.

With a fashion spotlight, the series brought together industry leaders, visionaries, and enthusiasts for an engaging dialogue with the iconic Prince Sonwabile Ndamase.

Led by Africa Business Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stephene Chikozho, and hosted by the organisation’s Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Lebohang Noruwana-Mkhize, the event underscored Africa’s spirit of progress and innovation.

According to a statement issued by Africa Business Inc. this week, the series aims to illuminate the impact of creativity on cultural identities and its potential to drive economic prosperity across the continent.

“The highlight of the evening was an insightful conversation with Prince Ndamase, renowned for his iconic Madiba shirts. His work has transcended borders, inspiring a generation and showcasing the richness of African design talent,” read part of the statement.

Prince Ndamase shared his deep understanding of the fashion industry, addressing the pervasive issue of imitation, particularly concerning the Madiba shirts. His reflections provided invaluable insights into maintaining authenticity and innovation in the rapidly evolving market.

Prince Ndamase also touched on the fashion industry, its competitive nature, and how designers and other stakeholders should recognise and assert their unique value. He also noted that clothing consumers often prioritised novelty over quality, a trend designers must navigate carefully. The fashion designing guru advised other players in his sector to find and cultivate a niche if they are to make it in the competitive fashion landscape. Prince Ndamase emphasised the importance of respecting customers adding that this was a cornerstone for any brand’s success.

The evening also featured Katiba Africa founder, Matseliso Morobela, whose dedication to preserving and modernising traditional African crafts exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration fostered by the event series.

“Africa Business Inc is proud to spearhead this initiative, offering unparalleled opportunities through its subsidiaries, including Africa Business Connex, Africa Business Connect, Africa Business Leadership Institute, eMarket Africa, and Africa Business Insights,” the organisation said in the statement.

The event was supported by a number of Africa Business Inc’s partners which included: The Knowledge Base, Vukani Range Creations, Katiba Africa, Tshedza Foundation, Tirhisano Construction, Second July Treats, Baby Powder, FNB, and Urbane Create Agency.

Relatedly, Chikozho announced a partnership between Africa Business Inc. and Empower Afrika. The alliance is set to transform the business landscape across Africa by driving Pan-African collaboration, business growth, and economic empowerment.

With headquarters in Johannesburg and Dallas in the USA respectively, the two organisations are joining forces to expand markets, enhance financial literacy, and foster sustainable growth.

Empower Afrika CEO Dr. Jose Muzingu who is currently leading impactful conferences in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stressed the importance of financial intelligence seminars tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs to ensure that they are equipped with essential financial skills for success.

Chikozho, highlighted the immense potential the partnership holds for Anglophone, Lusophone, and Francophone businesses, opening new avenues for investment and collaboration across the continent.

The initiative is expected to not only broaden market reach but also facilitate crucial networking opportunities, connecting businesses with influential leaders and legends within the Africa Business Inc. network.

“Together, we’re committed to empowering businesses with the tools they need for entrepreneurship development and effective financial management,” said Chikozho.

“As this collaboration unfolds, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities, providing enhanced support, and paving the way for a brighter future in the global market,” he said.

October 24, 2024 0 comment

Exhibitions

Reflections on 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo

by Editorial Team October 18, 2024

written by Editorial Team

Desmond Makosa

The tourism industry remains a critical sector of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing approximately 5.7 percent to the GDP and 3.5 percent in terms of employment creation. The country has to date seen notable increase in tourist arrivals, with a 27 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In the same regard, revenue rose by 24 percent, compared to last year, reaching US$493 million. The event was a testimony of the growing importance and interest in tourism in Africa’s economic development and the continent’s vast potential in the tourism sector.

Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s premier event that is organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), which offers a platform for networking and business partnerships with international tourism players. This year’s exhibition was the 17^th edition of the event. The expo is a successor of Shanyai/Vakatshani, the Zimbabwe International Travel Expo (ZITE), which was held annually at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre. ZITE started as a small expo in 1982 and grew over the years to become one of Africa’s leading tourism showcases by 2007. As the tourism sector continues to grow and evolve, Sanganai/Hlanganai World Tourism Expo has established itself as a vital platform for networking, learning and business opportunities.

The 17^th edition of the event saw the participation of 408 companies and 7 countries, namely Angola, Embassy of Iran, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania, showcasing their products and services. Several other exhibitors which participated include tourism authorities, hoteliers, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and local authorities. Of interest to note is the increased participation of international exhibitors and buyers. The numbers are testimony that Sanganai/Hlanganani is growing bigger and better each year. This growth is a reflection that the trust and confidence which the attendees have in the event have grown over the years.

As a build up to the grand event, buyers from more than 15 countries were taken for an educational tour of Zimbabwe’s prime tourism resorts. The buyers were taken to, among others, the Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Matobo, the Eastern Highlands and Gonarezhou, just to mention a few. Some of the countries which were represented during the pre-show tours include China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

To add flair to the event, the first day was marked by the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) Masterclass, where captains of the tourism industry gathered to deliberate on the development of requisite MICE infrastructure and the potential of the sector to grow the tourism sector’s contribution to the fiscus. In addition, this year also saw the inaugural Sanganai/Hlanganai World Tourism Expo Scholastic Tourism Conference, held under the theme: Leveraging Heritage Based Education 5.0 for the development of Tourism and Hospitality in Zimbabwe, kicking off. The event brought together academics, captains of industry, learners and learning institutions to deliberate on the importance of education in sustainable and modern tourism that is driven by research and understanding of the changing trends.

Benefits of attending Sanganai/Hlanganani

The event organised through a collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the ZTA, aims to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique tourism offerings, as well as presenting untapped opportunities in the tourism sector, while facilitating a platform for dialogue and partnerships for the advancement of the sector. It presented an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique tourism products, rich cultural heritage, and untapped opportunities, while facilitating platforms for discussions and strategic partnerships for the advancement of the global tourism industry. The hosting of the event in Bulawayo presented a number of benefits which include a huge boost to economic activities around the city and the downstream sectors. These include a rise in hotel bookings, demand in major shops and eateries, transport and logistics among others. Hotels and lodges in Bulawayo saw a significant uptake by visitors who were attending the expo.

Participants at the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo benefited from:

Networking opportunities: Connections with exhibitors, buyers, investors, and service providers from the global tourism sector. The exhibition brought together business professionals, industry enthusiasts, and international media under one roof. Offering unlimited networking opportunities and direct communication with the decision makers.
Strategic partnerships: Establishment of key business relationships with domestic, regional and international tourism players. Participating is a big step for any business. It created platforms for meetings and networking with (Sanganai/Hlanganani) exhibitors, visiting buyers, investors, and suppliers of services to the tourism sector from different parts of the world.
Showcasing potential: Presented the destination, products, and services on a world-class stage, allowing for identification of business leads, tapping into the business network and lucrative opportunities which will elevate business prospects.
Market insights: Allowed participants to gain knowledge and insights about diverse source markets and industry trends. It allowed attendees a chance to acquire knowledge about different source markets. It gave attendees insights into what their competitors are doing and to understand other brands’ sales and marketing strategies, allowing for one to modify their strategy.
Informative conferences: Presented attendees an opportunity to attend well-structured and themed tourism meetings and conferences, including speed networking sessions.
Media interaction: Allowed engagement with travel media from across the globe, showcasing the destination to diverse markets.
City partnerships: It availed an opportunity for building strategic alliances with other destinations and cities.

Conclusion

The event which showcased the best of Africa’s tourism products, was a success, and managed to showcase the unique and diverse endowments that the country prides of from its attractions, hospitality, our vibrant arts and culture, music and dance, and Zimbabwe’s gastronomy tourism among other experiences. The event was a success due to the collaborative efforts of the lead Ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the ZTA, and the industry at large. The collaboration and dedication of all stakeholders ensured a seamless and unforgettable experience for attendees to this mega event.

Desmond Makosa is a tourism marketing and culture promotion expert.

October 18, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings Venues

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe’s events capital

by Editorial Team October 17, 2024

written by Editorial Team

When one thinks of Zimbabwe, images of rich wildlife, vast landscapes, and vibrant cultures often come to mind. However, nestled in this picturesque country is a location that has become synonymous with celebration and excitement – the Victoria Falls. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur, city of Victoria Falls has earned its title as the “events capital of Zimbabwe.” This reputation is built upon a unique combination of its spectacular setting, its world-class facilities, and its ability to host a diverse array of events.

A natural wonder as the ultimate backdrop

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and its sheer magnificence provides a stunning backdrop for any event. The majestic waterfall, which has a combined width of 170 metres and whose water plunges 108 meters into the Zambezi River, creates a dramatic and unforgettable setting that adds a touch of grandeur to conferences, exhibitions, festivals and other events. The roar of the falls and the mist that envelops the area contribute to an atmosphere of wonder and excitement, making any event held here truly special.

World-class event facilities

Victoria Falls boasts a range of top-notch event venues and facilities that cater for both large and small gatherings. From luxurious hotels and resorts to dedicated conference centres, the region is equipped to handle a variety of events with professionalism and flair. Notable venues include the Victoria Falls Hotel, a historic gem offering elegant settings and modern amenities, and the Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre, which provides expansive conference facilities and stunning views. The availability of these facilities ensures that Victoria Falls can host everything from international conferences and corporate retreats to glamorous weddings and private parties.

A diverse range of events

The versatility of Victoria Falls is one of the key reasons it has earned its status as Zimbabwe’s events capital. The region plays host to a wide variety of events throughout the year, each catering to different interests and audiences. They include the following:

Cultural Festivals: Celebrations such as the Victoria Falls Carnival showcase local music, dance, and cuisine, drawing visitors from around the world. These festivals highlight the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe and provide a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Adventure Sports: The area’s natural features offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure sports. Events such as the Zambezi River Rafting Championship and the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon leverage the stunning landscape to attract thrill-seekers and athletes.
Corporate and Incentive Travel: With its combination of natural beauty and state-of-the-art facilities, Victoria Falls is a prime destination for corporate events and incentive trips. The region’s ability to offer both productive meeting spaces and exciting leisure activities makes it a favourite among business travellers.

Accessibility and infrastructure

Victoria Falls is well-connected both internationally and within Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls International Airport offers direct flights from major cities in Africa and connections to global hubs, making it easy for international guests to attend events. Additionally, the region’s infrastructure is designed to support large numbers of visitors, with ample accommodation options, transport services, and dining establishments. This accessibility ensures that events in Victoria Falls can run smoothly and that attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

A commitment to sustainable tourism

Victoria Falls has also embraced sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved for future generations. This commitment to environmental stewardship enhances the appeal of the region as an event destination, as organisers and attendees increasingly seek locations that prioritize sustainability. The efforts to protect and conserve the natural surroundings contribute to a positive image for events held in the area.

Victoria Falls stands out as the events capital of Zimbabwe due to its extraordinary natural beauty, world-class facilities, and diverse event offerings. The combination of these factors creates an unparalleled experience for both event organizers and attendees. Whether it is a high-profile conference, a cultural festival, or an intimate wedding, Victoria Falls provides a setting that is both inspiring and memorable.

Need to increase available accommodation

Government has been on a drive to grow the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector and bid to host more international meetings. This augers very well for the Victoria Falls resort city’s economy. These initiatives, however, need to be matched by a push for the construction of more accommodation and venues infrastructure to match the anticipated growth of the MICE sector.

This is very important in that in the past the city has been overwhelmed in terms of accommodation provision. For example when the city hosted the Transform Africa Summit in April last year, it could not host the over 4 000 delegates some of who had to find alternative accommodation. This is worsened by the fact that the city has only two five-star hotels, namely the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Palm River Hotel.

Victoria Falls has 2 000 hotel rooms and requires 2 000 more to meet the demand for accommodation during major events. In April last year, the then Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu told the media that the government was aware of the challenge and was engaging the private sector to attract investment to the tourism accommodation sector.

In May last year, the government announced plans to build a four-star hotel, a 5 000-seater conference centre and a golf course in partnership with the insurance giant, Old Mutual, as part of the development of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in the Victoria Falls area.

Once the accommodation and event venues gap is fully addressed Victoria Falls will undoubtedly scale dizzy heights as a prestigious Zimbabwean premier destination, which attracts global events and visitors for global and continental business events and other gatherings.

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October 17, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings

Inaugural Africa Connex to spotlight creative industries

by Editorial Team October 17, 2024

written by Editorial Team

The Africa Connex – Business Leader series is set to be held for the first time next Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a conversation with designer, Prince Sonwabile Ndamase (pictured), who is best known for designing the iconic Madiba shirt for the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

This was disclosed today in a statement issued today by Africa Business Inc, the organisers of the event.

“An ambassador of the African fashion aesthetic, and trailblazer in unearthing and exposing African design talent for local and global stages, this conversation allows us to explore the impact of the creative industries in building the fabric of our cultural identities while providing economic opportunities to many,” read part of the statement.

The organisers described the event as a timely conversation as South Africa marks 30 years of liberation and continues to deal with resolving issues of improving the prosperity of its citizens, as well as eradicating social and income inequality, that plague many African countries.

The global creative economy, which is valued at $2 trillion in size, is considered one of the key levers that Africa can use to provide significant revenue for small businesses and employment opportunities, especially for women and youth.

Africa Business Inc cited an International Finance Corporation (IFC) report which states: “Creative industries account for nearly 50 million jobs worldwide, according to UN estimates. About half of these workers are women, and these industries employ more people aged 15-29 than any other sector.”

This age group accounts for approximately 20 percent of the African population, which is significant given the challenges of absorbing this growing cohort of income earners into the current structure of the formal economy.

“We deliberately chose to launch this Africa Business Connex – Business Leader series with conversations focused on the creative industries, as we recognise their ability to create employment opportunities for many through the creation of small to large enterprises,” Africa Business Inc Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Lebohang Noruwana-Mkhize explained.

“Increasing access to technology and global markets is driving the rapid growth of the creative industry on the African continent. This is evident in the growth and global impact of the music, film, arts, design, content creators, furniture, fashion, accessories and other sub-sectors,” she said.

The sector generates around US$4.2billion annually in Africa, and entrepreneurs that leverage the power of technology and collaboration are reaping rewards.

Scheduled to commence at 1730 hours, the event is also expected to feature upcoming social entrepreneur, Matseliso Morobela, who is the founder of Katiba Africa, a business that is focused on protecting and modernising the traditional craft of grass weaving found in Africa. Specialising in creating works of art through collaborating with weavers from Lesotho and beaders in South Africa, Matseliso is driven by stimulating the rural economy.

The event is expected to be live-streamed to an audience of entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora.

Africa Business Inc is an organisation that is committed to fostering business growth, collaboration and innovation across the African continent and diaspora.

October 17, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings

ABC Connect: The quest for connection, business opportunities

by Editorial Team October 9, 2024

written by Editorial Team

ABC Auctions’ monthly networking event, the ABC Connect has gained traction and is on a growth trajectory. The 28^th and 29^th editions of the Connect are set to be held in Harare and Bulawayo this month. This week Business Events (BE) engaged the company’s Brand Manager, Paul Tawanda Nyamadzawo to understand the event’s rationale, objectives, successes, challenges and future plans and produces the interview below.

BE: How did ABC Connect come into being?

Paul: Initially it was a selfish move. We wanted people to come to us. People come and they get to experience the feel of the auction which then allows us to sell our other brands within (the holding company) the Sagittarian Group. So basically, that’s how Connect started. We realised that the platform was actually creating more value for people to people interaction and then we made the deliberate move to ensure that it becomes a constant (event) once every month cutting across our three branches where people come through for that two hours in the morning for that quick 7:30 to 9:30am networking session and pitch their business in the most uncomfortable manner because we literally force you to speak with the other person. That’s how we came about.

BE: What are the event’s objectives?

Paul: We believe that business is done by people so we want people to be able to talk to people. We created that platform to ensure that when you come and speak to the next person, the conversion rate of making sure that you get that next service, that next client, that next partnership is head-on. You see, those that have attended our networking events have experienced what we call a card game which literally forces you to talk to the next person whether you like it or not.

Our main objective is to make sure that we create that platform to simply come and talk to the next person and be able to make that connection.

BE: How do the event’s attendees benefit from the event?

Paul: Basically, we are giving you a platform to meet 49 other people that you’ve never met because it’s a 50-people cap event. We are giving you a chance to meet 49 other people, 49 other business professionals, 49 other possible investors, 49 other possible partnerships, and 49 other ecosystem players for you to be able to directly tell them what you do and them also telling you what they do. You may not be their direct customer but you might know who might have a more pressing need to meet them. That referral system is important when you get to exchange those business cards because we believe that business cards are a tool of the trade when you come to a networking event. When you exchange that business card you know that there is a likely chance that, that person is going to get a call.

BE: And why is the event attendance capped at a maximum of 50 people?

Paul: The chances of you speaking to everyone where you are 50 people are more than the chances of you speaking to say 200 people in a room. Our value is not in numbers. Our value is in the quality of interaction. 50 is our cap because we know that interaction within that stipulated time in that space would be more ideal than it would be for 200 people.

BE: What determines the people that you invite to the events as speakers and what they speak on?

Paul: When we choose a speaker we have made it deliberate to say, look we want to drive conversations that the industry and the people in that space need to hear about. For instance, some of our past speakers are corporate strategy and human capital management professional, Nyari Purvis, who has spoken about how to enhance diaspora markets. We know a lot of business at some point consider growth. What does it mean when they are told about expanding into a market? Coronation Financial Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lance Mambondiani spoke about the art of closing a deal. We are looking at what are the elements for ensuring that you close that deal.

We have had speakers like family business expert, Tsitsi Mutendi coming through and speak about how to create generational wealth and how to position businesses for historical growth. We have had security consultant, Andy Laing speaking about his over 50 years’ experience in the business space including a stint with Fawcett Security Operations. So it’s insights like that which we value because they allow us to create value around the people. We don’t want you to just get those networks, we also want you to get the nuggets on how to ensure that your conversion rate is much more valuable than quick.

BE: What would you say have been the event’s successes, highlights and challenges?

Paul: In our view, the event’s major success has been how much people are interested in attending. We have had over 150 registrations per event cut across our three branches but only having 50 people to attend. So it surely shows how people are taking value out of this. It is also about the repeat attendees who are attending three or four Connect events as they are seeing the value in coming back to these events which is one thing we value. One of the challenges I can name – one can’t call it a challenge per se – but it is about the greater end to the ABC Connect. There are some things which we are not in a position to do for the event’s attendees. There is a limit to what we can do for them, but we are happy to redirect them accordingly to people that can help them.

BE: You partner with different businesses which provide venues for Connect events. How do they benefit the relationship?

Paul: We have deliberately made co-hosting cut across all our branches, that is here (Harare), Bulawayo and Lusaka, to partner with other businesses. Why? Because our goal is to get you as many clients as possible. So when we co-host with these businesses in their own space it’s a chance for them to sell their products and services directly. For instance we have had our past Connect events notably with Zimoco in their showroom and Autoworld in their showroom as well.

We have partnered with Solutions Centre, the Apple distributor, and we have partnered with NMB Bank this month at their headquarters and in Lusaka we have had some businesses co-hosting the event with us. It’s that plea to ensure that we bring business direct to your doorstep. When we bring business to your door step you’ve got a better chance to sell your products when people are in the feel and environment where the product exists.

BE: What is the future of ABC Connect like?

Paul: Connect is about a community. We’re trying to build a community of like-minded people where you have access to someone that attended Connect Edition One to Connection Edition 30. You have access to all of those people. You know what all of those people do and their trades which allows you to cross-cut and cross-pollinate. We also plan to start hosting workshops in the future. We have just launched our e-newsletter called The Connector, which we are also hoping, in line with our other product called ABC Reach, will create more platforms and opportunities for businesses.

So we are not only giving a platform to come and market yourself, we are also being deliberate about getting the reach. We have a database of about over 120 000 verified e-mailers within our system which we have grown through the ABC Auctions for the past 50 years and with that value and reach we want to expand to these businesses that are coming to our spaces. When you come through to a Connect event you have better chance to get discounts. You have a better chance of getting these packages. You have a better chance of being featured in our advertorial because that’s what we want to give these businesses.

BE: In Zimbabwe you are represented in Harare and Bulawayo. Any chance of the same event being hosted in Mutare, Gweru or Masvingo some day?

Paul: 2025 will be an exciting year for ABC Connect and definitely there is a lot of footprint we want to leave within the Zimbabwean landscape and the Zambian landscape which we are actively involved in. So yes, all I can say is we are looking forward to seeing us in all those areas that the auction branches are not established. That’s why the partnerships for us are very critical because with a partnership we are not limited to having a physical office. We are just limited to have like-minded partners that want to drive the same goal that we want to so when we a get a businesses that wants to host a Connect event in Mutare, when we get a business that wants to host Connect in Zvishavane, when we get a business that wants to host a Connect in Lalapansi, nothing is going to stop us.

BE: What is your message to someone who has heard of the ABC Connect and is yet to decide on whether or not they should attend the event?

Paul: If you do not have that customer that you want and if you do not have enough customers to grow your business, then Connect is the place for you to do that because we are giving you a space where you can sell your product directly and you have a better chance of growing your customer base. Our platform is simply to create connections, that’s our value. That’s our biggest take.

October 9, 2024 0 comment

Business Awards

Using awards for benchmarking performance: The case of ZINARA

by Editorial Team October 9, 2024

written by Editorial Team

For many marketing and public relations professionals winning awards means getting rewarded and recognised for one’s efforts in their trade, but for the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) Corporate Communications and Marketing Executive, Tsungie Matiure-Manyeza and her team it means much more. To them winning an award is more than third party endorsement for themselves and the ZINARA brand. It means a new baseline on which to benchmark future performance.

We reproduce below Matiure-Manyeza’s recent LinkedIn post in which explained how she and her team use awards to benchmark their performance against previous achievements and against the performance of other brands in their league.

Benchmarking – leveraging parallels to improve personal standards!

Last month, my beloved Team Excellence ZINARA had the spectacular honour to take to the podium, not once, not twice but three times, to receive honours in marketing and public relations at the National Exceptional Awards 2024 by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ).

We celebrate this stellar achievement which, for us, sets our new baseline, and we are now working towards even greater.

In my view, awards platforms are benchmarking platforms where greats are not only celebrated, but exceptional standards are illuminated for the purposes of improving overall industry or sector performance.

We submitted a total of seven project profiles for the awards and clinched only three – less than 50 percent? Well, what it has made of us is unquantifiable. Success is now what you achieve but who you become while working towards the achievement!

As we prepared our submissions we knew we were trying our hand against giants, but this did not hold us back, because we have come to understand that we move up by looking up. We set our standards based not only on our former self, but on the greats in the marketplace. We benchmark!

Over the past year, my team and I have been benchmarking in three ways

Internal benchmarking

We are part of a high performance organisation, from the board to the shop floor – ours is a high performance team. As such, we continually glean on the ways of working of our peers to inspire how we too develop as individuals and as a team. To this end, we were excited to take home the PR Practitioner of the Year award by yours truly.

Competitive benchmarking

We put ourselves side by side with the greats in our sector. We are learning from both the good and not so great to inspire how we can improve. We also initiate peer reviews for our work and we enjoy the collaboration in our sector, and especially in our parent Ministry. We walked away with the Excellence in Public Sector Marketing of the Year gong!

Strategic benchmarking

For me this has always been the game changer throughout my career – benchmarking with other sectors and industries. I have observed that there are some sectors that excel in some areas and by benchmarking against these, we peg our standards higher and improve as we try to match. We were, therefore, excited to bag the Gold Award for Best Radio Informercial of the year in a category that was dominated by private sector players in retail, banking and insurance sectors among others.

Benchmarking is not a competitive act, but a self-development activity for self-improvement. It is not only about observing and appreciating the higher standards, but acting on them.

October 9, 2024 0 comment

Conferences/Meetings

Packed programme for inaugural ESG Sustainability, Conference

by Editorial Team October 1, 2024

written by Editorial Team

Sustainability is increasingly taking centre stage on the Zimbabwean business landscape if the number of events dedicated to discussing the importance of and strategies for adopting sustainable business practices is anything to go by.

Nowhere is this reflected more than in the inaugural ESG Sustainability and Conference which is set to be held at Troutbeck Resort, Nyanga, from tomorrow to Saturday. Organised by the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe (IODZ), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) and the Institute of Sustainability Africa (Insaf), the event is expected run under the theme: “Driving sustainable futures: Integrating ESG practices in Zimbabwe.”

The event’s programme is jam-packed with speakers who are expected to present on several topics that deal with various aspects of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and sustainability in business.

Insaf Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rodney Ndamba is expected to open the day’s programme on Thursday by presenting on the topic “Overview of ESG Sustainability Reporting in Zimbabwe” which is set to tackle issues such as ESG Reporting Frameworks and Standards from an Africa perspective and The New Norm of Sustainability in Emerging Economies and Progressive Companies.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Sustainability General Manager, Fidelia Gandiya is set to present on Driving Sustainability Impacts, Innovation and Sustainable Development Agenda in the Telecom Sector using Econet Zimbabwe as a case study. IODZ CEO, Catherine Nyachionjeka will tackle Corporate Governance and Ethical Leadership.

To draw lessons from the region on responsible investing and sustainability best practices, MN Capital Group (Botswana) founder and Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Ndinisa is expected to speak to delegates on attracting sustainable capital and driving impact.

The conference is expected to tackle climate change risks and opportunities as well as managing the impacts thereof, mitigation and disclosures in organisations when Training and Advisory Services (TAS) Director, Webster Sigauke speaks on the issues.

The meeting will also deal with the integrity of sustainability reports in the country when Deloitte Zimbabwe Partner, Charity Mtwazi presents on Sustainability Assurance: Enhancing Credibility of Sustainability Reports in Zimbabwe.

Given the importance of the mining sector in Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic turnaround efforts, a representative from Zimplats platinum mine is scheduled to address the conference on delivering sustainability impacts in the mining sector using his or her company’s experiences as an example.

The meeting is expected to take various formats such as presentations, questions and answer sessions as well as panel discussions.

October 1, 2024 0 comment

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