A.M.C. MEMBER NEWS

Harare conference discusses trends impacting Zimbabwe marketers

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

Top speakers at MAZ event discuss how to embrace change, conquer challenges and excel in 2024’s business environment.

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) recently hosted its 2024 Marketers Business Review Conference at the Golden Conifer Functions Venue in Harare.

Aman Jyoti of Zimgold Oil Industries at the podium during the conference. Photo: MAZ

 

With the theme ‘Setting the Tone for Business In 2024 – Embrace Change, Conquer Challenges and Excel’, it provided a platform for business executives to convene, exchange ideas and glean insights into the evolving landscape of 2024 and the year’s key marketing trends. 

 

Dr Prosper Chitambara, an economist, analysed global and local macro-economic developments, inflation rates, and proposed solutions to address economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. His insights fostered a deeper understanding of the economic milieu impacting local businesses. 

 

Samuel Matsekete, Group CEO of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, presented on the topic ‘Business Landscape and Marketing Responses’. His presentation explained the shifting dynamics of the Zimbabwean business sphere and described strategic marketing approaches essential for navigating its challenges and seizing opportunities. 

 

The conference also featured a panel discussion in which marketers shared their insights into the 2024 marketing landscape. 

 

Charles Mutemera, Managing Director at Dicomm McCann Advertising & TotalMedia UM, shared his expertise on crafting effective marketing strategies and communication techniques that resonate with target audiences in a rapidly changing digital landscape. 

 

Makie Mbanje, founder and Managing Director of exhibition company Showcase It, shed light on the pivotal role of innovative marketing approaches and impactful exhibition strategies in enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.  

 

Potential of AI to power interactive exhibits and personalised experiences 

 

She emphasised the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in powering interactive exhibits and personalised experiences. These include natural language, computer vision, and machine learning to power interactive exhibits, AI chatbots and conversational interfaces. 

 

“Overall, AI plays a crucial role in transforming the exhibition industry by enhancing visitor experiences, streamlining operations, and enabling innovative approaches to content delivery and engagement,” said Mbanje. 

 

Aman Jyoti, Commercial Director at Zimgold Oil Industries, offered insights into the evolving advertising landscape within the Zimbabwean market, emphasising key areas for brands to focus on in driving growth and fostering engagement. These include AI, social commerce, influencers, tactical marketing, and niche and premium radio. 

 

Danis Dube, Station Manager at ZiFM Stereo, delved into the evolving media landscape, stressing the importance of effective communication strategies in bolstering brand awareness and consumer engagement across diverse media channels.  

 

He highlighted the burgeoning role of social media platforms and the transformative impact of AI in shaping media consumption patterns. 

 

“Make sure you have a TikTok strategy. Digital media is growing at a fast rate, embracing trends like digital newspapers and online media. Media distributed via WhatsApp could prove to be a key disruptor in Zimbabwe,” he said. 

 

The conference concluded with a question and answer session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with the speakers, seek clarifications, and gain further insights into the topics discussed.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.