A.M.C. MEMBER NEWS

Marketers Association of Zimbabwe launches Teen Superbrand Awards

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

MAZ unveils teen awards event, research survey and logo design competition – all promoting effective engagement with youth audiences.

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) recently launched its highly anticipated Teen Superbrand Awards. The Harare event brought together brand custodians, marketing strategists, industry thought leaders, young entrepreneurs and a wide network of partners to celebrate innovation brand equity and youth engagement in marketing.

MAZ celebrates the launch of its Teen Superbrand initiative 

Gillian Rusike, Executive Secretary of MAZ, officiated at the occasion and emphasised the importance of leveraging consumer insights and targeted marketing campaigns to effectively connect with the youth demographic. 

 

Tariro Muchena, General Manager Marketing at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, was the guest of honour and keynote speaker. In her address, she urged marketers to develop authentic, culturally relevant and emotionally resonant marketing strategies that foster brand loyalty among Generation Z and Millennials.  

 

“Our youth are not just the consumers of tomorrow, they are the consumers of today,” Mrs Muchena stated.  

 

“To truly engage this vibrant demographic, we must craft differentiated value propositions, employ innovative digital marketing tactics, and build authentic brand storytelling that speaks their language and reflects their realities.” 

 

Variety of categories 

 

The Teen Superbrand Awards will feature a variety of categories that reflect the diverse interests and passions of Zimbabwe’s youth. These categories include fashion, music, educational institutes, entertainment, and internet service providers. 

 

“These categories recognise brands and institutions that have made significant impacts in their respective fields, resonating with young people and shaping cultural trends,” MAZ says in a press release. 

 

“The awards aim to celebrate excellence across these sectors and inspire continued innovation to meet the evolving tastes of the youth demographic.” 

 

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place during the Marketers Convention in October 2025.  

 

“This prestigious event will serve as a platform to recognise brands that have successfully employed innovative marketing mix elements to achieve relevance and resonance with youth consumers,” MAZ emphasises. 

 

“It also offers a prime opportunity for brand positioning and the strengthening of brand loyalty within the youth segment.” 

 

According to MAZ, the wider aim is to motivate young entrepreneurs and brand managers to implement youth-centric marketing strategies, leverage influencer marketing, social media engagement, and experiential marketing to build authentic connections.  

 

Research survey and logo competition 

 

Other highlights of the recent launch event in Harare were the announcement of the upcoming Teen Superbrand Research Survey and the launch of the Teen Superbrand Logo Design Competition for teenagers. 

 

The research survey is scheduled to run from 14 July to 14 August 2025 and aims to gather actionable consumer insights, understand brand perception and awareness levels, and identify emerging trends within the youth segment. The data will be instrumental in shaping future brand positioning, brand equity measurement, and targeted marketing strategies. 

 

The logo design competition runs from 16 June to 16 July 2025. This co-creation activity encourages youth participation in brand identity development, fostering user-generated content and brand advocacy.  

 

In addition, the winning logo will be integrated into future branding campaigns, enhancing brand recognition and emotional engagement among young audiences. 

 

Enia Zimunya, Head of Operations at MAZ, encouraged all attendees to leave with a renewed commitment to bold innovation, disruptive thinking and marketing excellence. She emphasised that these efforts should go beyond “making noise” and instead focus on creating meaningful impact through a unified approach. 

 

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe is a founder member of the African Marketing Confederation. 

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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.