ZIMBABWE’S premier thought leadership platform, the In Conversation Ideas Festival, will this year introduce the inaugural Brand Africa Zimbabwe Best Brands Awards, celebrating the nation’s top brands and inspiring entrepreneurs to build world-class companies capable of competing across Africa and globally.
This comes as local and international business heavyweights are set to headline this year’s fourth edition of the festival, set for October 28 to 31 at Troutbeck Hotel in Nyanga.
Dubbed “Zimbabwe’s Davos,” the apolitical gathering attracts entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers and diplomats from across the region to engage in transformative discussions on business, technology and economic development.
Festival convener Trevor Ncube, who is also the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings and In Conversation with Trevor host, said with the launch of the Brand Africa Zimbabwe Best Brands Awards, growing international partnerships and a record number of delegates, the platform was building a legacy whose impact will last for generations.
“A major highlight of this year’s festival is the inaugural Brand Africa Zimbabwe Best Brands Awards,” he said.
“These prestigious awards are the product of independent market research conducted by Brand Africa and its global partners, using the same rigorous methodology applied across the continent.
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“This recognition of Zimbabwe’s best brands will now be an annual feature of the Ideas Festival.
“We are celebrating excellence and inspiring our entrepreneurs to build world-class brands that can compete on the African and global stage.”
A stellar line-up of speakers will take to the stage, representing diverse industries from technology and finance to agriculture and investment.
Pre-eminent global African branding authority and founder of Brand Africa, Thebe Ikalafeng, a Hall of Fame marketer who has visited every country in Africa, will headline the festival this year.
Tawanda Nyambirai, group CEO of TN CyberTech Investments Holdings, will present on Helping Leaders to Lead with Purpose: Lessons from my SMI Experience, while Nigel Chanakira, executive chairperson of Power Tank (PBC), will explore The Investor Mindset: Decoding what Drives Funding Decisions for a Start-up.
Banker and entrepreneur Nicholas Vingirai will discuss The Future of AI in Africa: Bridging the Language Gap.
Ncube said this year’s festival attracted exceptional new anchor partners, including Vingirai, TN CyberTech Investments Holdings, Eight2Five Innovation Hub and Old Mutual Zimbabwe.
Winfield Strategies and Innovation, led by Precious Nyika, joins as a collaborating partner organisation.
“In a significant milestone demonstrating international recognition, the French embassy in Zimbabwe has partnered the festival and will bring along affiliate organisations, marking the growing global interest in Zimbabwe's innovation ecosystem,” Ncube said
During the festival, entrepreneurship and innovation will be highlighted by Chido Dzinotyiwei, founder & CEO of Vambo AI, who will focus on leveraging on financial inclusion to accelerate sustainable agricultural development in rural communities.
Ashleigh Nyambirai, CEO of TN Livestock Trust, will share lessons from her leadership and business journey, while Shingi Mutasa, CEO of Masawara Plc, brings insights on pan-African investment strategies and enterprise leadership.
Other thought leaders include healthcare and innovation leader, bishop Percy Kadziyanike, a leading voice on faith and community leadership, and healthcare and innovation leader, Mathew Wazara.
Eye specialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist Solomon Guramatunhu, Beyond Borders Logistics co-founder & chief executive officer Thelma Chimbangda, MoneyMart Finance founder and CEO Ethel Mupambwa as well as Shauna Prince Technologies and Flexi ID founder and CEO Victor Mapunga will also be speakers at the festival.
Over the four immersive days, delegates will participate in Ideas Panels, Master Classes and Ideas Tank sessions, addressing pressing questions for Zimbabwe and Africa in the age of artificial intelligence: How can AI be responsibly integrated into workplaces?, How must education and skills evolve to prepare for AI-driven economies? How can businesses and policymakers safeguard jobs while embracing technological opportunities?
With the combination of high-calibre speakers, international partnerships and the debut of the Brand Africa Zimbabwe Best Brands Awards, the 2025 Ideas Festival promises to be a landmark event, celebrating Zimbabwean excellence while shaping the future of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership across the continent.
The event will run under the theme The Future of Human Capital, Innovation and Ethics in the Age of AI.