Entrepreneurship an important pillar of Old Mutual’s business model

BUSINESS REPORTER

Zimbabwe’s largest financial services provider, Old Mutual Zimbabwe says  entrepreneurship  is a key component  of  its business  model.

Speaking this week at an event to announce the winners of the Value Creation Challenge (VCC) in Harare, Old Mutual Group CEO Samuel Matsekete stated that the company is dedicated to assisting the expansion of Zimbabwean businesses in order to promote sustainability and economic growth.

“At Old Mutual Zimbabwe, entrepreneurship is an important pillar of our responsible business strategy. We are committed to supporting the growth of business and businesses in Zimbabwe, helping drive economic growth sustainably into the future for the benefit of present and future generations in our variouscommunities.

With sustainable transformation at the core of how we do business, Old Mutual aims to empower beneficiaries of our programs, and products to be able to anchor them for great success into the future,” Matsekete said.

He added:  “The Value Creation Challenge is inspired by this mandate, and it has attained significant milestones to contribute to national development as the businesses grow their own outputs and employ more people.

Old Mutual plc is a signatory of the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Similarly, Old Mutual Zimbabwe is committed to applying these principles in our investment and ownership practices. We believe sustainability of new and innovative initiatives is critical to their success.”

This year’s winner, Tax Pal Zimbabwe, received US$15,000 and was represented by Takudzwa Chirawo,who is the founder of the organisation. Zambezi Ark Technologies, with its founder Tanaka Manyonga in attendance, came in  as first runner-up and  received US$10 000, whilst Lifeline Publishing, represented by its founder Margaret Chideme, came in as second runner-up and took home US$5,000.

The network opportunities that have been created, according to Chipo Kanyumbu, the British Council’s Programs Manager, who spoke at the same event, are fulfilling as they bring participants closer together and foster an environment that encourages collaboration and sharing rather than competition.