TAKING over at a big petroleum company like ComOil in 2020 at a tender age of 25 was a challenging task for Natasha Kasukuwere, but definitely not a setback.
The desire not only to uphold the family legacy, but to build a behemoth of company, has been her driving force and she has never looked back.
It is through this determination, pursuit for leadership with purpose that has attracted her attention.
Although being crowned the Outstanding Young Leader of the Year for 2025 at the Megafest national women’s awards 2025 held in Harare last week, for Natasha, it was a testament of her hard work.
“I was definitely surprised to learn of the nomination because a lot of the time, you put in work and never know who is watching or where they are watching from,” said Natasha, a registered lawyer who also has articles of clerkship with Deloitte and Touche.
“It taught me that as you strive for the best, your work will speak for itself and recognition will follow.”
She added: “I pay tribute to all the women who in their own way have made a mark in the uplifting economy of Zimbabwe.
“It is no easy feat but it has been done repeatedly and I follow in those footsteps with pride and confidence.”
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Natasha said from the word go, she understood that the fuel industry is a dynamic and challenging landscape in Zimbabwe and requires not only hard work, but leadership with a purpose, worse for a reviving a company that had suffered stagnant growth for many years.
When she took over ComOil, the company was grappling with significant operational and financial hurdles.
ComOil was formed by her father, Saviour Kasukuwere, a former top ruling Zanu PF party official and Cabinet minister in the late former President Robert Mugabe’s government for years until November 2017.
The company had been experiencing negative growth for some years when Kasukuwere was committed to government work.
The situation worsened when the company was put under United States sanctions in 2003, affecting its supply chain.
Things went further down when Kasukuwere was forced to leave the country and go into-self-imposed exile following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascension to power in 2017.
But five years after taking over as managing director, Natasha has turned around the fortunes of the company that was nearing collapse.
Inspired by the desire to protect her family’s legacy, she saw a chance to innovate and reinvigorate the company and her leadership style, that is characterised by collaboration, empowerment and open communication, has laid the groundwork for a culture of accountability and innovation.
“I believe in leading by example,” Natasha remarked, emphasising that her approach had been instrumental in driving ComOil’s turnaround and growth.
Under her leadership, ComOil has achieved remarkable milestones and one of her crowning achievements has been the strategic expansion of the company’s retail network from two service stations to five, with plans for further growth.
This expansion has not only increased the company’s footprint across Zimbabwe, but has also strengthened its market position.
“I also spearheaded the restructuring of our operations, which included clearing legacy debt, strengthening supply partnerships and improving cash flow management,” Natasha said.
“Another milestone was implementing digital tools for inventory and sales monitoring, which has improved efficiency and reduced operational bottlenecks.”
Natasha said mentorship played a pivotal role in cultivating her as a leader.
She credits senior professionals in the energy and finance sectors for guiding her early career, providing strategic insights and instilling the confidence to take bold steps.
“I have personally benefited from mentorship through senior professionals in the energy and finance sectors, who encouraged me to take bold steps, provided strategic advice and supported me during the early phases of ComOil’s revival,” she said.
“Mentorship also reminded me of the importance of paying it forward, which I now try to do for young women in business.”
Navigating the demands of the oil industry as a young leader requires a deft balance of discipline and resilience.
Natasha prioritises initiatives that propel the business forward while empowering her team to manage daily operations effectively.
Her advice to aspiring leaders, particularly young women, is clear: “Believe in your competence, embrace learning, and never let societal perceptions limit your ambitions.”
She encouraged them to seek opportunities in traditionally male-dominated spaces, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation.
As Natasha sets her sights on the future, her ambitions for ComOil are expansive.
Her goal is to scale the company into a leading, fully integrated energy provider in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“This includes expanding our retail network, investing in renewable energy initiatives, and adopting sustainable business practices that align with global energy trends,” she said.
“Beyond ComOil, I aspire to contribute to the broader energy sector by championing opportunities for women and young leaders, fostering innovation, and driving initiatives that enhance energy security and economic growth in Zimbabwe.”
She added: “Balancing leadership with the demands of the oil industry requires discipline, resilience, and strategic time management.
“I prioritise by focusing on what moves the business forward while trusting my team to manage daily operations effectively.”
As she continues to lead with purpose, she inspires others to follow in her footsteps, paving the way for a new generation of leaders in the energy sector.
“To young women aspiring to leadership, my advice is: believe in your competence, embrace learning, and never let societal perceptions limit your ambitions,” she said.
“Seek out opportunities even in male‑dominated spaces, because your perspective and contribution are valuable.”
For Natasha, the sky is the limit.
She is currently working for an accounting qualification with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
