*This article is based on a conversation between Conrad Mwanza and British ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles.
The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) was born in 2010, during a time when Zimbabwe’s global image was clouded by negativity.
Yet, I saw a different story — one of Zimbabweans excelling in business, arts, academia, sport, and community leadership across the world.
Their achievements were rarely celebrated, and I felt compelled to change that.
ZAA began as a simple but powerful idea: to create a platform that recognises, honours, and celebrates Zimbabweans making a positive impact locally and globally.
It was about shifting the narrative and showing the world - and us — that Zimbabweans are resilient, innovative, and capable of excellence in every field.
Over the years, ZAA has grown into a movement.
We’ve hosted ceremonies in multiple countries, bringing together Zimbabweans from all walks of life. What makes the diaspora so special is their ability to adapt, excel, and maintain strong ties to their roots.
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Despite the challenges that led many to leave home, they carry with them the values of hard work, perseverance, and community spirit - qualities they use to uplift both their adopted societies and Zimbabwe.
Recognition is empowering. By celebrating success, we inspire pride among Zimbabweans everywhere and encourage the next generation to dream bigger.
ZAA allows us to tell a story of excellence, contribution, and global impact.
Coming home
The recent ZAA Gala in Harare marked a milestone: bringing the awards home for the first time. It was a deeply emotional and symbolic moment. When we launched ZAA in London in 2010, it was about celebrating Zimbabweans abroad. I never imagined that one day we’d host the gala on Zimbabwean soil.
Personally, it felt like coming full circle. Zimbabwe is our foundation, our heartbeat.
To return home and honour our people here reaffirmed why we started this journey.
For the ZAA community, it meant connection and belonging.
Celebrating alongside family, friends, and communities who have supported us from the beginning was powerful. It reminded us that no matter how far we travel, Zimbabwe will always be home.
Stories that inspire
Over the years, I’ve encountered countless inspiring individuals through ZAA.
Some stories stand out because they truly capture what ZAA is all about.
Take Taponeswa Mavunga, Head of Africa at Sony Music UK. She played a pivotal role in bringing Afrobeats to the mainstream in the UK and beyond.
Her journey shows how Zimbabweans are shaping global culture in ways that are often unseen but deeply influential.
Then there’s Stephanie Travers, who made history as the first black woman to stand on the Formula 1 podium as part of Team Mercedes.
Her achievement broke barriers and inspired a generation of young Zimbabweans to believe that no dream is too big.
We also celebrate unsung heroes like Linda Santiburwa, a midwife who used her modest resources to educate children from her village — from primary school to university.
Some of those children are now working and transforming their families’ futures.
Her story embodies sacrifice, service, and the spirit of community upliftment.
And William Sachiti, a trailblazing entrepreneur in robotics and technology, is putting Zimbabweans on the map in industries of the future.
These stories represent the essence of ZAA — celebrating excellence, recognising sacrifice, and amplifying the impact Zimbabweans are making across the world.
It’s not just about awards; it’s about telling our story with pride and giving our people the recognition they deserve.
Media, mentorship, and giving back
ZAA has always been about more than handing out awards. It’s about creating a culture of inspiration, opportunity, and giving back.
That naturally connects to my passion for youth empowerment.
I believe the best way to build the Zimbabwean dream is by equipping the next generation with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
That’s why I started the 25 under 25 mentorship programme, which connects young people with experienced professionals and entrepreneurs.
The goal is to instil planning, discipline, and business skills early on, so our youth become not just dreamers but doers.
Giving back means investing in people. Many of the achievers we celebrate at ZAA became who they are because someone believed in them, guided them, or gave them a chance.
If we can do that consistently for our young people, we won’t just celebrate individual success - we’ll build a stronger, more sustainable future for Zimbabwe.
Advice for young Zimbabweans abroad
To young Zimbabweans in the UK or elsewhere, my advice is: embrace both cultures fully.
Your heritage is your strength, and your adopted country offers new opportunities.
You don’t have to choose between the two - being Zimbabwean and British, or Zimbabwean and American, is not a conflict; it’s a gift.
I see it with my own son, who is 14. He’s a proud Brit, but equally a proud Zimbabwean.
He loves coming home for holidays, connecting with family, and experiencing the culture that shaped me.
That balance gives him confidence - rooted, yet globally minded.
Staying connected means more than visiting home. It’s about contributing wherever you are.
Get involved in community work, support initiatives back in Zimbabwe, and use your skills to create opportunities for others. With technology, you can be thousands of miles away and still have a direct impact.
Most importantly, never lose sight of your identity and the values you carry from Zimbabwe - hard work, resilience, respect, and community. These qualities will set you apart in any career and help you make a real difference both abroad and at home.
What’s next?
For ZAA, the journey continues. We’ve built a strong foundation over the past 15 years, and now we’re focused on deepening our impact.
We are expanding into new territories, strengthening our alumni club, and launching platforms like the Diaspora Summit, where Zimbabweans can engage on business, investment, and development opportunities.
Beyond celebrating success, we want ZAA to be a connector - linking talent, ideas, and resources across borders for the benefit of our country.
Personally, I’m excited about growing the 25 under 25 programme into a leadership pipeline.
I’m also working on initiatives that bridge the gap between the diaspora and home - through investment forums, partnerships, and youth-focused projects.
And one of the biggest milestones this year is launching my book, The Zimbabwean Dream.
It captures the lessons, stories, and vision that have guided me, and it’s a message of hope and ambition for all Zimbabweans.
So, what’s next? More platforms, more impact, and a continued commitment to telling the positive story of Zimbabweans everywhere.
Conrad Mwanza is the founder of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA), a global platform that celebrates the achievements of Zimbabweans across the diaspora. He is also a media entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of The Zimbabwean Dream, a forthcoming book that explores identity, ambition, and impact.
*Ambassador Pete Vowles is the British ambassador to Zimbabwe. He has a longstanding commitment to development, diplomacy, and inclusive engagement, and is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen ties between the UK and Zimbabwe.
*This column is curated by the British Embassy Harare demonstrating the strong people-to-people relations between the UK and Zimbabwe.
