Prestigious TCS gala steals show

Kudzanai Gerede

TECH powerhouse Natalie Jabangwe and Mutapa In­vestment Fund Chief Investment Officer Simba Chiny­emba will headline the prestigious and highly antici­pated 2026 Top Companies Survey (TCS) Awards.

To be held in Harare this coming Friday, this year’s awards ceremony highlights a powerful synergy be­tween artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and strate­gic capital deployment.

The annual event is organised by the Daily News’ sister publication The Financial Gazette — the coun­try’s number one business publication and prime voice for industry and commerce — in partner­ship with diversified financial ser­vices giant, Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

Jabangwe, a globally recognised computer engineer and business executive, will serve as the guest of honour at the ceremony, while Chiny­emba is set to deliver the keynote address.

Jabangwe has emerged as one of Africa’s prominent figures in fintech and digital financial services, with a career that has spanned technology, finance and innovation.

She currently serves as the chief executive of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, overseeing a pan-African network and startup funding initiatives that leverage technology and education to drive sustainable development.

Her participation comes as Zimba­bwean businesses continue to rapidly adopt AI and digital tools, making the synergy between technology and human capability a priority for corpo­rate leaders.

Meanwhile, Chinyemba brings ex­tensive international investment and leadership experience to the table.

As chief investment officer of the MIF — the country’s sovereign wealth fund — he oversees invest­ment strategy and capital allocation across a portfolio valued at about US$15 billion.

The fund comprises more than 30 State-owned enterprises across natu­ral resources, energy, ICT, transport and financial services.

“The selection of these two lumi­naries is deliberate as they bring two critical perspectives to this year’s theme, the transformative potential of AI and the role of strategic capital in driving economic growth.

“We believe that their insights will challenge and inspire business lead­ers in particular to look beyond short-term corporate performance,” The Financial Gazette’s general manager for sales and marketing, Shingirai Chirikuutsi, said last night.

The awards are taking place as lo­cal businesses continue to navigate a complex operating environment.

The Top Companies Survey Awards evaluate firms listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, alongside sector-specific categories — measuring financial performance, balance-sheet strength and investor returns.

The event also celebrates excel­lence in investor relations, insurance, mining, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, as well as disclosure and transparency.

Last year, Delta Corporation and Caledonia Mining Corporation shared the main Top Company accolade fol­lowing strong performances across both domestic exchanges.

As usual, this year’s edition of the awards will bring together top execu­tives, investors and policymakers to recognise and celebrate the best of Zimbabwe’s corporate leadership.