Zimbabwean small and medium-sized enterprises can now compete for continental recognition, funding, mentorship and business exposure through the Standard Bank Africa Business Awards.
The awards, launched in Zimbabwe, are aimed at businesses driving innovation, job creation and economic growth across Africa.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Head of Business and Commercial Banking Patson Mahatchi said the awards were open to eligible SMEs across Africa, including businesses that do not bank with Standard Bank Group or Stanbic Bank.
“At Stanbic Bank, we firmly believe that SMEs are the engine of economic development. Driven by our purpose; Zimbabwe is Our Home, We Drive Her Growth, we continue to support businesses with access to financial solutions, advisory services, market opportunities, and platforms that enable growth,” he said.
The awards have six categories: Agriculture, Construction, FMCG and Retail, Manufacturing, Women in Business and Youth-Owned Business.
Mahatchi said Zimbabwean businesses had an opportunity to take their achievements beyond the local market.
“We therefore encourage businesses from across Zimbabwe, regardless of size or sector, to participate in these awards,” he said.
He said eligible businesses could include those that had pioneered innovation, expanded exports, empowered communities, embraced sustainability or created employment.
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Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Head of Enterprise Banking Sarah Charangwa said the awards were open to registered SMEs operating in eligible African markets where Standard Bank or Stanbic Bank has a presence.
SMEs can enter more than one category, provided they submit separate applications and meet the requirements for each category.
Entries will be assessed on Leadership and Vision, Innovation and Creativity, Sustainability and Resilience, Market and Community Impact, Business Growth and Scalability, and Financial Performance.
“Entries will be reviewed by an independent panel comprising business leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs and representatives from Standard Bank Group and partner organisations,” Charangwa said.
She said the closing date for submissions was October 31, 2026.
Winners stand to receive recognition, networking opportunities, funding, business exposure and mentorship. Shortlisted finalists will also be invited to the awards ceremony in Johannesburg in November.
Charangwa said startups could also apply if they were formally registered and could demonstrate measurable business activity, innovation and growth potential.
Applicants may be required to provide company registration documents, financial information, business profiles or pitch decks, proof of operational presence and other information requested by the judging panel.
For Zimbabwean SMEs, the awards offer more than a chance to win. They provide an opportunity to put local businesses in front of potential investors, partners and customers across the continent.
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