What an incredible day at the Better Futures Programme hosted by Old Mutual Zimbabwe! From the moment we gathered over coffee in the morning until the last conversations at the cocktail, there was a shared sense of hope, boldness, and determination to shape a brighter Zimbabwe.
We began with Sam Matsekete, Group CEO of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, who set the tone by reminding us that the future belongs to those who are confident enough to innovate and include everyone in the journey. That spirit carried through the keynote by Fayaz King, who showed us how digital tools, data, and AI can transform financial services, but only if they are rooted in trust and designed to protect first time users.
The conversations that followed were rich and practical. On one panel, Collen Tapfumaneyi, Wonder Mafunda, and Dr Innocent Matshe challenged us to think differently about regulation and inclusion. Later, Philile N K Masuku from the ILO reminded us that formalisation is not about red tape, it is about dignity, protection, and opportunity for farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs who have long been left out. Industry leaders like Christopher Mugaga, Sekai Kuvarila, and Isaac Kwesu added their voices, showing what inclusion could mean for commerce, industry, and mining.
In the afternoon, Eng Tafadzwa Muguti brought the conversation closer to home with a heartfelt challenge on rebuilding confidence in insurance and long term savings, not as failed tools, but as vital lifelines when anchored in leadership and accountability. The final panel with Douglas Hoto, Rosemary Mpofu, Victor Utedzi, and Cuthbert Munjoma left us thinking deeply about what it will take to restore trust in financial services for ordinary Zimbabweans.
As the day closed with a cocktail, the feeling in the room was clear — the conversations do not end here. They are the start of a movement towards a more confident, inclusive, and innovative Zimbabwe.
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