MARKETERS CHALLENGED TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH WITH SMARTER STRATEGIES

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) recently hosted the highly anticipated Marketers Business Review in Bulawayo at the prestigious Holiday Inn. Industry experts and business leaders gathered to unpack the future of marketing, emphasizing the need for companies to craft innovative strategies that attract and retain customers while contributing to national economic growth.

Marketing thought leader, Mr. Morris Mpala, underscored the importance of leveraging Zimbabwe’s projected economic growth, fuelled by booming agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors. He urged businesses to tap into digital channels, social media, content marketing, and data-driven strategies to stay ahead. With agriculture expected to grow by 13% and mining experiencing robust investment, brands must position themselves for market dominance.

Digital transformation was a key theme, with PPC Zimbabwe Sales Manager, Mr. Wonderful Dube, highlighting emerging trends such as AI-driven marketing, e-commerce, and hyper-personalization. He showcased PPC Zimbabwe’s e-commerce model, which allows customers, including those in the diaspora, to purchase cement online with doorstep delivery a game-changing approach to modern commerce.

The rise of digital platforms has disrupted traditional media, challenging businesses to rethink their advertising strategies. Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Executive Secretary, Mr. Godwin Phiri, called for media houses to develop new business models to reclaim lost advertising revenue. He emphasized that audiences today demand quality, engaging content and can no longer be taken for granted.

With the rapid expansion of community radio stations, television networks, and online platforms, media outlets must embrace digital evolution to remain relevant. Influencer marketing and social media advertising are presenting cost-effective alternatives to traditional ads, forcing brands to adapt or risk being left behind. As audience preferences shift towards on-demand content, businesses must align their marketing budgets accordingly.

FBC Bank Bulawayo Senior Branch Manager, Mr. Royce Sibanda, stressed that customer experience is evolving, with digital adoption, social media growth, and AI integration shaping consumer expectations. Personalization, sustainability and trust are now critical components of brand success.

Opportunities abound for forward-thinking businesses that leverage technology, strategic partnerships, and data analytics to optimize customer engagement. As e-commerce expands, customer experience management (CEM) will be the differentiator in a competitive market.

The Marketers Business Review reaffirms that businesses must innovate, engage and grow to thrive in Zimbabwe’s dynamic economy. Whether through digital transformation, sustainable practices, or reimagining traditional media, the future belongs to brands that adapt boldly and market smartly.