Celebrating Innovation: Highlights from the Inaugural Smart Zimbabwe Awards 2025

The Smart Zimbabwe Business Network (SZBN) proudly hosted the Inaugural Smart Zimbabwe Awards on 18 July 2025 at the Golden Conifer Functions Venue, marking a historic moment in recognizing excellence and innovation within Zimbabwe’s growing smart technology ecosystem.

Held at the close of the Smart Zimbabwe Conference and Expo 2025, the awards celebrated organizations and individuals making outstanding contributions toward advancing smart solutions that support Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Origin and Purpose of the Awards

The Smart Zimbabwe Awards were established to acknowledge and celebrate innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations that are driving digital transformation and promoting smart technologies across all sectors of the economy — from agriculture and health to education, fintech, and energy.

The awards were conceived as part of SZBN’s broader mission to inspire innovation, encourage collaboration, and recognize leadership in building a smarter and more connected Zimbabwe. By showcasing local excellence, the awards also aim to motivate others to adopt technology-driven solutions that improve livelihoods and business efficiency.

Honouring Our Guest of Honour

The Smart Zimbabwe Business Network extends heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Information Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, for gracing the event as Guest of Honour and presenting the awards to this year’s winners.

Her presence underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth through smart technologies. In her remarks, the Minister emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and achieving the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 vision.

2025 Award Winners

A total of 10 outstanding individuals and organizations were honoured for their remarkable achievements in innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement. Some of the winners included:

• O’mari – Smart Fintech Award – Recognized for pioneering digital financial solutions that enhance access to inclusive lending and investment platforms. Visit O’mari → https://www.oldmutual.co.zw/omari/
• Lusitania Primary School – Smart Education (Primary Schools Category) Awarded for their early adoption of Smart Classrooms and advanced Learning Management System. Visit Lusitania → https://lusitaniaprimary.co.zw/
• ZimSmart Villages – Smart Health Innovation Award – Recognised for innovation in smart health and using technology to improve access to healthcare services in rural and underserved communities. through digital health solutions, telemedicine initiatives, and community-based smart systems, Visit ZimSmart Villages → https://zimsmartvillages.com/
• Precision Drone Training – Smart Agriculture Award – Awarded for revolutionising Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector through the use of drone technology, data analytics, and smart farming solutions. Visit Precision Drone Training → https://flyinglabs.org/zimbabwe
• Manawill Mining – Smart Mining Award – Awarded for integrating smart technologies such as diamond core drilling, drone aero-magnetic surveys, and geo-exploration in mining. Visit Manawill Mining → https://www.manawillmining.com/
• LADS Africa – Smart Education Innovation Award – Being a startup that was initiated and incubated at Harare Institute of Technology, LADS is a shining example of University Innovation. Visit Lads Africa → https://ladsafrica.co.zw//zimbabwe

Each of these winners represents the creativity, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit that define the Smart Zimbabwe vision.