Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) recently hosted the 2025 Marketers Business Review under the theme Shifting Paradigms in 2025. The highly anticipated event held at the prestigious Hyatt Regency on the 20^th of February in Harare. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared invaluable insights on a wide range of topics including business, marketing, economics, advertising and media. It was not merely an ordinary business review but a melting pot of ideas, strategies and insights aimed at equipping marketers to thrive in an era of unprecedented change. 

The Executive Secretary, Gillian Rusike opened the event with a powerful address, setting the stage for a morning of thought-provoking discussions. He advocated for collaboration rather than working in silos as a strategy for success in 2025. Commenting of the economic outlook, Mr Rusike underscored innovation, resilience and agility.

Workmore Chimweta, the CEO of ZIMNAT, took the podium and shared on the Theory of Relativity in Marketing. He drew parallels between Einstein’s theory of relativity and the marketing world, emphasizing that every business decision triggers a reaction and has an equal and opposite reaction. The solution is to anticipate, adapt and innovate. He challenged marketers to break free from traditional norms and embrace disruptive innovation. To remain relevant, organizations must rethink the status quo.  In an interaction with the audience, Chimweta highlighted the seismic shifts reshaping the marketing landscape which include: Evolving customer preference, Artificial Intelligence initiatives, Automation and the Tripple Bottom line.

Dr. Gwanyanya, a seasoned economist and CEO of Bullion Group International then took over the podium a delivered a masterclass on Zimbabwe’s economic outlook, blending macroeconomics with practical insights. He painted a vivid picture of the nation’s economic drivers, from agriculture and real estate to manufacturing and tourism.  The presentation was fully fledged with statistics on various sectors. He highlighted how Electricity is the driver of any economy, applauding the government’s efforts to boost energy production through projects such as the Titan Power Plant Project where, ZESA Holdings partnered with Titan New Energy. He also noted the resurgence of the tourism sector post-COVID-19, as a testament to the industry’s resilience. 

On the currency front, Dr. Gwanyanya provided a nuanced analysis of Zimbabwe’s financial challenges.  He stressed that the financial crisis will take time to cure hence the government continuous development of solutions to cure the crisis. These efforts include: dollarization, structural reforms and the introduction of the Zig currency that have been implemented as corrective measures. He also added that understanding monetary policy is essential for every business leader in order to thrive through the economy.

Despite the hurdles, Dr. Gwanyanya expressed optimism, citing the World Bank’s positive outlook on Zimbabwe’s economy. He pointed to the ‘’burgeoning investment appetite’’, evident in the mushrooming of service stations, the rise of shopping malls and the growth of cluster homes. These are not just trends, they are indicators of potential capital within the economy. In commenting on the informal sector, he urged the audience rethink the informal sector. It’s not a threat; ‘’it could be reflection of our economic reality and a potential catalyst for growth. He concluded with a rallying cry, “Hard work and sacrifice are non-negotiable for survival’’ in the Zimbabwean economy.

Rohit Alagh, a seasoned strategist shared experiences enabling digital brands, sparkling meaningful conversations. In his remarks, he urged the audience continue to leverage technology and to ‘’Treat AI like an assistant” to get the most desired results. He also underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making and adaptive leadership. Alagh asserted that the future belongs to those who can anticipate change and pivot with purpose.

As the marketing community looks ahead to 2025, the insights from Workmore Chimweta, Dr. Gwanyanya and Rohit Alagh serve as a roadmap for success. We would like to extend gratitude to our strategic partners, Marytechenock Solutions, Optical Express and Powertel for their support and partnership.