Old Mutual has announced its sponsorship of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons awards organised by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Zimbabwe through their Eight2Five Innovation Hub.
The awards recognise exceptional young individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the country at large.
Through its Eight2Five Innovation Hub, Old Mutual has contributed to the programme and provided additional support for the trophy shields.
The partnership aligns with Old Mutual’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and community engagement, particularly among young leaders and innovators.
Group marketing, public affairs and sustainability executive Lillian Mbayiwa, said: “We are excited to be part of this initiative that recognises and celebrates the achievements of remarkable young Zimbabweans.”
“Their stories of impact and innovation will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in our society.
“We believe that investing in the development of young leaders and innovators is crucial for Zimbabwe's future.
“The Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards embody our values of inclusivity, impact, collaboration, and adaptability, and we are proud to support this initiative.”
The partnership also highlights Old Mutual’s ongoing efforts to empower young entrepreneurs and innovators through its Value Creation Challenge (VCC) incubation programme.
The VCC provides a supportive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas into viable ventures, with access to professional development, networking opportunities, financial support, market access, and valuable feedback.
By supporting the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards and the VCC programme, Old Mutual demonstrates its commitment to shaping Zimbabwe’s future by empowering young leaders and driving positive change.
Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training deputy minister Kuda Mupamhanga was optimistic that the awards would reward the 10 best young people.
“I’m sure with the process we will get the 10 outstanding people whom we will learn from and I’m happy that you are collaborating with the Zimbabwe Youth Council,” he said.
“If you follow His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, he rarely does a speech without mentioning youth, even if it’s not mentioned in the script, he goes off script and mention young people which is what in other sector we call it political will, to drive the youth agenda.
“Having said this, it’s important that organisation such as ourselves we need to take up the opportunities that are available.
“The beauty of young people is within themselves are solutions to the challenges they face.
“I meet young people every day, which one of the benefits of being a deputy minister of Youth, they show up at the office, we have an open door policy and we do try to tell them to make appointments but young people as young people you know them they do what they want.”