The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) has officially unveiled nominees for the 2026 UK edition, with the prestigious event set to take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre.
Now in its 16th year, the awards platform continues to recognise outstanding Zimbabweans in the diaspora across sectors including business, healthcare, arts, community leadership and innovation.
Two-day programme
The 2026 edition will run over two key events:
May 15 – Diaspora Forum
The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and professionals to discuss investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, skills transfer, innovation and youth enterprise development.
May 16 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony
The main awards night will celebrate individuals and organisations making significant contributions both locally and globally. The event will also feature cultural showcases, special honours and networking opportunities.
Public voting opens
ZAA organisers announced that public voting will run from April 15 to April 30 via their official website, with votes forming part of the final judging process alongside panel and advisory board assessments.
Recognising diaspora excellence
Since its establishment over 15 years ago, ZAA has grown into a global platform promoting Zimbabwean excellence and strengthening diaspora engagement, with a focus on development partnerships, skills mobility and entrepreneurship.
Wide range of nominees
The 2026 nominees span multiple categories, including:
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Healthcare and social care
- Professional and academic excellence
- Community leadership and diaspora impact
- Arts, culture and media
- Youth and emerging talent
- Sports and entertainment
Among those nominated are prominent figures such as Vaidah Masamvi, ExQ, and Marshall Munetsi, alongside a broad mix of entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders.
Call for participation
Organisers are encouraging the public to support nominees through voting, while also inviting corporate partners and diaspora communities to engage with the event.
The awards are expected to draw significant attention from Zimbabweans across the globe, reinforcing the diaspora’s role in driving innovation, investment and cultural influence.
Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) UK 2026 Nominees
1. Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
ZAA Business of the Year
Recognising outstanding businesses demonstrating growth, impact, sustainability, and leadership within the diaspora.
Eaglemat
Sibbs Holdings
VCK Accounting Services
Mwanaka Farm Foods
Chax Barbers
ZAA Male Entrepreneur of the Year
Awarded to a male entrepreneur demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and business success.
Donald Raisi
Fulton Rupapa
Munyaradzi Hoto
Simbarashe Nyambiya
Leeroy Chax
Richard Makeke
ZAA Female Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising female leaders driving business growth, innovation, and impact within the diaspora.
Sippie Siphiwe Mungaraza
Yvonne Kapasa
Thellie Chitsungo
Ruth Mabika Johnson
Jennifer Sitima
Vimbai Victoria Goredema
Dr Alison Chiwara
ZAA Innovation Award
Celebrating individuals or organisations pioneering new ideas, solutions, and technologies.
Dr Alison Chiwara
Prisca Maguranyanga Chireka
Mkhu Sithundu
Leeroy Chax
2. Healthcare & Social Care Excellence
ZAA Healthcare Business of the Year
Recognising excellence in healthcare delivery, innovation, and patient-centred services.
EDENS Housing Ltd
A1 Star Medicare Ltd
BitCare Ltd
Brisca Healthcare
Cherry Blossom Supported Living
Roial Nurture
ZAA Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year – Female
Celebrating female leaders making significant contributions to healthcare and social care services.
Linda Mujeyi
Etta Mosi-Emmanuels
Prieska Botha Chimhini
Dr Busisiwe Msipa
Zoliswa Ncube
Chenai Machinjike
ZAA Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year – Male
Recognising male leaders advancing healthcare delivery and innovation.
Johnson Masara
Nqobani Moyo – BitCare Ltd
Kudakwashe Kunaka
Hondo Tigere – Together In Care
Fred Matenga
ZAA Social Worker of the Year
Honouring individuals delivering outstanding care, advocacy, and social support.
Theresa Chido Kambani
Sharon Ndoro
Patrick Matope
Chenai Machinjike
Ephraim Garwe
ZAA Social work Academic Award
Dr Admore Shereni
Dr Fungisai Mushava,
Dr Nathan Jera
Dr Ian Mthombeni Ndlovu
3. Professional & Academic Excellence
ZAA Professional Excellence Award
Recognising outstanding achievement and leadership in professional careers.
Mkuleko James Ncube
Vim Ziyambe
Nelson Tanyanyiwa
Blessing Mutamba
Daniel Daka
Mkulelo James Ncube
ZAA Academia & Research Excellence
Celebrating contributions to research, education, and knowledge advancement.
Tendai Mukosera Nelson
Julius Mugwagwa
Edith Mugabe
Dr Munyanyi
Professor Fareda Banda
Abel Mavura
4. Diaspora Impact & Community Leadership
ZAA Diaspora Advocacy Award – Female
Recognising women championing diaspora causes, representation, and impact.
Chelsea Rose Mandizha
Nyaradzo Jowo
Tafadzwa Mushipe
Yvonne Kapasa
Ruth Dhliwayo
Sippie Siphiwe Mungaraza
ZAA Diaspora Advocacy Award – Male
Honouring male leaders advancing diaspora engagement and advocacy.
Pardon Tapfumaneyi
Lucky Moyo
Malone Mukwende
Donald Raisi
Mudiwa Jani
ZAA Community Organisation of the Year
Recognising organisations delivering meaningful community impact.
Zimbabwe Women’s Organisation (ZIWO)
Roial Nurture Centre Ltd
Zim Kids
Shifting Your Mindset
Team Caro Foundation
EPAC UK
ZAA Community Champion Award
Honouring individuals making a significant difference within their communities.
Dr Ngozi Fulani
Lovington Paraiwa
Fadzai Nyarenda
Ruvimbo Bepswa
Dr Alison Chiwara
Todd Maforimbo
Chenai Machinjike
ZAA Community Builder Award
Recognising individuals who actively create, grow, and strengthen community networks.
(Nominees can be drawn from Community & Advocacy categories or selected by panel)
5. Arts, Culture & Creative Industries
ZAA Cultural Ambassador Award
Recognising individuals promoting Zimbabwean culture globally.
Nyasha Michelle
Tonderai Munyevu
Shone Zw
Vaidah Masamvi
Tawanda Mawushe
Laura Nyahuye
Thellie Chitsungo
ZAA Arts Promoter Award
Celebrating those supporting and elevating creative industries.
Laura Nyahuye
Jessica Rowlands
Phaab Entertainment
Tonderai Munyevu
Trudiel Entertainment
ZAA Female Artist of the Year
Recognising excellence in music and performance.
Annatoria
Sharon Rose
Linda Mudzenda
Edith Weutonga Katiji
ZAA Male Artist of the Year
DC3 (Daniel Chenjerai)
Simba
Lamont
Donel Mangena
ExQ
6. Media, Personality & Influence
ZAA Media Personality of the Year
Recognising excellence in journalism, broadcasting, and media.
Joseph Madyembwa
Maynard Manyowa
Gilbert Nyambabvu
Stanley Kuyenda
Korrine Sky
Eugene Majuru
ZAA Podcast of the Year
With Nyasha Michelle
Keep It Moving
Black and Forth
Hello Hie with Gemma
ZAA Female Personality of the Year
Hendrinah Ruvimbo
Tafadzwa Mushipe
Jennifer Sitima
Blessing Mutamba
Ruvimbo Bepswa
Nyasha Matonhodze
ZAA Male Personality of the Year
Stunner
MC Kudazvinhu
Talent Takunda Zishiri
Donald Raisi
Kudzi Chikumbu
Tafara Makopa
Superstar Jani
7. Events, Hospitality & Lifestyle
ZAA Event of the Year
Recognising outstanding events bringing communities together.
Young Black Achievers
Grateful (Eleana Makombe’s event)
ZimLink Up
Jah Prayzah Album Launch
ExeBranch
Percy Jones Retreat
ZAA Restaurant and Food of the Year
The Wors Man
Pamuzinda Restaurant
Pamoja Cuisines
Zim Braai
Black Rhino pub Derby
ZAA Zim Groceries/Butchery
Afro Express Mart Limited
Mwanaka Fresh Farm Foods
Zim Tuck Shops
ZimFoods
The Graze Leeds
8. Youth, Future Leaders & Emerging Talent
Future Leaders Award
Recognising emerging leaders demonstrating potential, influence, and impact.
Aydon Makamba
Vanessa Sanyahokwe
Kudzai Mutiti
Nyashadzashe Nguwo
Lil Jam)
9. Sports & Entertainment Performance
Sports Personality of the Year
Mc Shumba Pemhiwa
Tawanda Chirewa
Marshal Munetsi
Ethan Kachosa
Tawanda Masvanhise
DJ of the Year
DJ Fyn
DJ Simba Dziruni
DJ Fistos
DJ Wardy
Dj Chidzy
DivaThaDJ
10. Public Vote Category
People’s Choice Award
Publicly voted award celebrating popularity and influence.
MC Kudazvinhu
Stunner
Tawanda Mawushe
Vaidah Masamvi
Mudiwa Jani
Ethias,aka Cde Eggshell
