NATHANIEL GONDO
The CEO and founder of KiwaConnect, Dr Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa, who is also an engineer, has been nominated for the prestigious Global Business Achievers Network Awards in the ICT (information communication and technology) and Digital Transformation Excellence category. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Harare.
Dr Kiwa has established herself as one of Zimbabwe's leading figures in the ICT sector. Beyond spearheading the launch of KiwaConnect, she has played a significant role in mentoring innovators including the Maminda AgriFinTech initiative, which is set to showcase its work at VIvaTech in France, Paris.
She also serves as the chairperson in the department of ICT and Electronics in the School of Engineering Sciences and Technology at Chinhoyi University of Technology.
Her nomination comes as recognition of years of dedication to innovation, technology development and mentorship. Speaking on the nomination, Dr Kiwa described the recognition as both humbling and motivating.
“It is truly humbling and motivating at the same time. Recognition in ICT and Digital Transformation is not just about personal achievement, but about the impact technology can have on communities, education, businesses and future generations.
“For me, it reflects years of dedication, innovation, mentorship and pushing boundaries in technology-driven solutions. With over 45 publications in the ICT realm, it also inspires me to continue creating meaningful digital solutions that solve real-world challenges and empower others, especially young innovators and students,” she said.
The nomination also shines a spotlight on the growing impact of KiwaConnect platform, a professional networking and empowerment platform designed for women in Zimbabwe. The platform brings together opportunities, mentorship, community engagement, projects, tenders, partnership workflows and administrative tools within a single digital ecosystem.
Speaking with this author, Dr Kiwa shared her vision for the future of the platform.
”KiwaConnect Pvt Ltd company is only getting started. We are moving towards building more transformative digital platforms, AI-driven solutions, innovation programmes and collaborative ecosystems that empower businesses, students, entrepreneurs and communities. The vision is to bridge technology with practical impact, from education and research to agriculture, fintech, smart systems and digital inclusion,” she remarked.
She also revealed plans to expand innovation driven initiatives through strategic partnerships aimed at developing scalable technology solutions.
“Personally, I remain committed to mentoring innovators, driving research with purpose and developing scalable technologies that can compete on a global stage while solving local challenges. That is the main reason why we acquired an Innovation Hub situated in Chitungwiza in collaboration with Dr Maureen Mbondiah, CEO of Dravental Car Hire & Tours, and Rutendo Muchero, founder of CB Muchero Innovation Hub.”
She added: “There are exciting collaborations, innovation projects and expansion opportunities ahead and I believe the best is yet to come.”
The Global Business Achievers Network Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership among entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and public sector leaders.
The network seeks to connect business leaders globally while recognising individuals and organisations making a significant impact across Africa and beyond.
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