Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
A.M.C. MEMBER NEWS
Marketers Association of Zimbabwe launches its Business Institute
By our News Team | 2023
New arm is responsible for the career development activities of marketers, sales people and other business professionals.
The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) recently made history by launching its Business Institute, further cementing the association’s position as the home of professional development in marketing and related professions in Zimbabwe.
MAZ Business Institute is the arm responsible for undertaking the career development activities of marketers, sales professionals, customer experience managers, public relations practitioners and other business-related professionals.
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa (left) and Gillian Rusike of MAZ open the MAZ Business Institute. Photo courtesy of MAZ
The institute’s operations are guided by MAZ principles and values. It comprises three strategic business units (SBUs), namely: MAZ Institute of Digital Practitioners; MAZ Institute of Sales Professionals; and MAZ Institute of Customer Experience Practitioners.
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, MAZ Patron and Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, officially launched the MAZ Business Institute.
In her speech, she highlighted how business trends are changing and urged Zimbabwe’s marketers to always be alert on these.
“Globally, the business trends are changing very fast. This therefore calls you, the marketers and communications professionals, to be at the forefront of presenting your brands,” she stated.
A revolution in the way businesses must communicate
Minister Mutsvangwa said digitalisation of the business world and its processes, as well as the advent of social media, had completely revolutionised the way businesses communicated with their customers.
“Social media is a very powerful medium which can either destroy or build brands, as well as nations. We have to tailor-make our products and services to the demand of customers. Even as government, we take communication seriously, as we need to keep abreast with technology”, said the Minister.
MAZ Executive Secretary, Mr Gillian Rusike, said the establishment of the Business Institute was in line with the education 5.0 being promoted by the government.
“The Institute is part of education 5.0 and we are working with industry and institutions of higher learning to enhance our programmes and make sure that the calls by the President are incorporated at industry level,” said Mr Rusike.
He added that MAZ was committed to upholding professionalism in the marketing and related professions in the country and beyond, as seen by synergies with other regional marketing bodies.
Mr Rusike said the cross-border partnerships had seen MAZ offering the Digital Marketing program to students in Malawi and Zambia. MAZ was also working on a partnership with Kenya.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.