Harare, Zimbabwe – The National University of Science and Technology’s Graduate School of Business Sciences (GSBS), in collaboration with ICT solutions provider Dandemutande Investments (Pvt) Ltd, successfully concluded its second high-impact women's symposium for the year on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Cresta Lodge in Harare. The event, held under the theme, “Empowering Young Women: Empowering Zimbabwe’s Future Generation,” marked a strategic pivot in the national conversation from simply promoting leadership to actively driving digital ownership and wealth creation.
Building on the success of the first symposium held in partnership with the Midlands State University in July, which urged women to assume leadership roles, this second gathering shifted focus to the essential link between technological access and economic independence. This is particularly crucial given that while women own nearly 60% of informal businesses, they often lack the digital tools needed to scale, a gap the symposium was designed to address. The initiative directly supports the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) goals for youth and women empowerment, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
Professor G. V. Nani, Director of the NUST Graduate School of Business Sciences, articulated the institution’s vision, moving beyond inspiration to tangible action. "The success of our first symposium was truly a stepping stone," she stated. "This time, we are moving from promoting leadership in the economy to promoting ownership and creation of the economy, especially through digital platforms. We want to see our young women driving job creation, not just seeking employment."
The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers who shared their journeys and expertise to equip young women with practical entrepreneurial skills. Headlining the event as the Keynote Speaker was Mrs. Salome Mutsinze, Founder and CEO of Mother Touch Group of Christian Schools. Mrs. Mutsinze’s success story provided powerful motivation, illustrating how determination and strategic vision can build a nationally renowned institution from the ground up. Mrs Mutsinze gave the young women in the room her personal practical guide to being successful in business.
“My passion is to inspire the next woman, to empower the next woman and raise someone’s hand and say - it is possible! With God nothing is impossible.” she said. “There is nothing like being rich quickly or a microwave business. A day at a time, a step at a time. This (my) journey is 30 years old, starting from very humble beginnings. Start small and consistently, you’ll grow” Mrs Mutsinze added.
Joining her were fellow industry leaders, including Mr. Never Ncube, Group Chief Executive of Dandemutande. Speaking on the critical role of technology, Mr. Ncube underscored the strategic nature of the partnership. "Digital skills are no longer a luxury; they are the bedrock of modern entrepreneurship," he stated. "Our partnership with NUST GSBS is designed to directly address the digital divide and showcase technology as the ultimate enabler for innovation. We firmly believe that when women are digitally empowered, they don't just succeed individually, they raise the national economy with them."
The inspiring roster also featured Mrs. Eunice Dlamini, Director of M and M Joyous Events. Mrs. Dlamini shared insights into establishing and sustaining successful service-based businesses in Zimbabwe's dynamic economic environment. Her experience-sharing session provided a practical perspective on navigating the business landscape and fostering client relationships.
The programme, facilitated by NUST’s Legal Director Mrs. Nanzelelo Ndlovu as the Director of Ceremonies, concluded with a rich networking lunch, successfully fostering lasting professional connections among aspiring and established women leaders from both the private and public sectors. The symposium clearly positioned its delegates as key catalysts for national economic growth.
