Women take helm of largest private sector bodies

Sikhulekelani Moyo

FOR the first time in Zimbabwe’s history, the country’s two largest private sector representative bodies are being led by women, a milestone coming at a time of renewed economic stability, which both leaders say must now be converted into competitiveness and growth.

Mrs Clara Mlambo has been elected national president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), while Ms Josephine Takundwa assumes the presidency of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).

Coincidentally, the two were in the same class at university.

Ms Takundwa described the development as a landmark, saying it is the first time in the history of Zimbabwe that the country’s two largest private sector representative organisations are simultaneously being led by women.

“I believe this should be a clear signal to the women in Zimbabwe’s private sector that, as women, we are capable of contributing to the development and advancement of the country’s economy,” she said.

“These positions are beyond empowerment, but speak of capability, as they are elected, not appointed.”

Ms Takundwa hopes the elections will encourage more women to take up such key positions. She urged more women to get a seat at the decision-making table and have their voices heard on issues of economic importance. Both leaders take office at a time Government measures have helped anchor the economy.

Inflation has remained in single digits through 2026, and the currency environment has stabilised.

She said her focus will be to build on that foundation.

“I am assuming office during a period when the country is enjoying a number of measures by the Government in promoting the ease of doing business, including the stable currency environment,” she said.

“My focus, therefore, will be to leverage such developments to push for even more reforms that can move business from a path of resilience to one of competitiveness and sustainable growth, as per our theme for 2026 as the ZNCC.”

Ms Takundwa said policy predictability was critical, amid external risks such as the anticipated severe El Niño.

“With an uncertain environment forecast due to the anticipated severe El Niño, one area of advocacy would be to request as much stability and predictability in the policy environment as possible, in order to reduce disruption to gains already achieved under current conditions,” she said.

Her other priorities include regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), e-commerce and digitalisation, as well as inclusive private sector growth.

Mrs Mlambo cautioned against treating the development as exceptional, although it is an important moment and one worth recognising.

“But I would also like us to reach a point where two women leading major business organisations is no longer unusual enough to become a story on its own,” she said.

“That, for me, will be real progress. There is also something powerful about younger women seeing other women occupying these positions. You cannot underestimate the importance of seeing someone who looks like you doing a job that perhaps you had never imagined was open to you.

“At the same time, Ms Takundwa and I have both been elected to do a job. Ultimately, we should be judged by what we deliver.”

Mrs Mlambo said CZI must translate stability into industrial expansion.

“We have seen greater stability in the economic environment, including through the monetary policy measures that have been put in place,” she said.

“That stability provides an important foundation for business planning and investment. The question now is how we build on it and translate that stability into stronger industrial growth, investment, production and competitiveness.”

Mrs Mlambo said CZI has an important role in that process.

“We must represent the interests of industry while maintaining constructive engagement with Government and other stakeholders,” she said. “We should not only identify issues. We should also bring ideas and practical solutions to the table.”

Mrs Mlambo said her term will prioritise listening and practical delivery.

“As CZI president, I would hesitate to make grand promises. An important part of our role is listening, finding areas of common interest and making sure that the voice of industry is represented effectively,” she said.

“I would like it to be remembered for practical delivery. Not necessarily for one big announcement, but for whether we made progress on issues that matter to our members and to the wider productive sector.”

Both leaders also stressed mentoring the next generation.

Mrs Mlambo said: “We need to create opportunities for younger people to participate in conversations about the future of Zimbabwean industry. They will inherit the businesses, institutions and economy that we are shaping today.”

Mrs Mlambo, born in Rusape, brings more than 28 years’ experience across fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), telecoms, manufacturing, financial services and trade.

She began at British American Tobacco Zimbabwe in 1998 as a marketing management trainee and rose to managing director roles in Zambia and Zimbabwe, before serving as regional chief operating officer (COO) at Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

She is the managing director of BOC Gases Zimbabwe, chairperson of ABC Holdings Zimbabwe and previously chaired ZimTrade.

She is also a mentor and author of “Cordless Bungee Jumping”.

On working in male-dominated spaces, Mrs Mlambo said: “The important issue is opportunity combined with competence. There are many capable women who are ready for bigger roles, but may not always get the exposure, consideration or opportunity.

“We need to make sure those doors are open to competent women. This is not about giving anyone a free pass because she is a woman. Leadership must be earned, and competence must matter.”

Ms Takundwa started her career at a United Kingdom electronics franchise in Harare.

After six years in formal employment, she founded Earthlink Technologies in 2004. The company provides electrical power protection and installation services for the mining, healthcare, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors.

In 2022, she diversified into export agribusiness with Sesame for Life, recognised regionally for improving livelihoods in climate-shock-prone areas.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a graduate diploma in Marketing Management, a diploma in Diplomacy and Protocol, and other professional certifications.

As Zimbabwe’s private sector enters 2026 with greater stability, the election of two women to lead CZI and ZNCC marks both a symbolic shift and, as the new presidents say, a call to deliver tangible results for industry.

CZI and ZNCC are the primary voices of the country’s private sector, actively lobbying the Government on economic policy, national budgets and industrial growth.