ZIM to Host Inaugural Superbrands Awards Ceremony

ZIM president

... Besa to Recognize Leading Brands at Inaugural Superbrand Awards

By Francis Maingaila

The Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) will hold the inaugural Superbrand Awards dinner on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.

According to Mwewa Besa, President of ZIM the event which be graced he Minister of Commerce and Industry Honorable Chipoka Mulenga, will bring together over 500 delegates, marketing professionals, and business executives to celebrate Zambia’s top-performing and innovative brands and honor outstanding brands across the country.

He shared his enthusiasm about acknowledging the brands that have had a substantial influence across various industries.

“It’s an honor to be part of this event, and I look forward to recognizing these brands for their exceptional impact on our economy and society,” he said.

The awards will spotlight brands from all sectors of the economy. The process for determining winners includes comprehensive consumer surveys, evaluations from businesses and consumers, and a final review by a panel of industry experts. This rigorous approach ensures that only the most deserving brands are selected.

Besa also emphasized the invaluable role of sponsors, whose support has been essential in driving ZIM’s initiatives.

While specific brands remain under wraps until the event, Besa reassured participants that those recognized will truly embody the essence of the "superbrands" for 2024.

Reflecting on the challenges of the year, such as global economic volatility and the impacts of El Niño, Besa noted that these obstacles have spurred ingenuity and fresh thinking within the marketing industry. 

He pointed to Zambia’s evolving energy sector and the introduction of innovative banking products as key examples of the market’s resilience.

Beyond the awards, ZIM has been actively involved with students, organizing career fairs in Livingstone where over 500 students from more than 20 schools took part. These efforts are designed to motivate the next generation of marketers and business leaders.

Besa also announced the top 100 brands chosen for this year’s Superbrands distinction, underscoring their significant contributions to the market and their role in shaping Zambia’s business environment.

“These brands stand out not only for their industry leadership but also for their unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and social responsibility,” Besa commented.

The Superbrands selection process begins with a nationwide consumer survey to compile a list of the top 200 brands. 

These are then further evaluated through Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) assessments. A panel of industry experts and academics ensures the process remains both transparent and credible.

As the year draws to a close, Besa expressed optimism for the future of Zambia’s marketing landscape, with the Superbrand Awards marking an important milestone in the country’s marketing history.

Earlier, ZIM Council Secretary Brain Silungwe elaborated that the awards will celebrate companies that have made meaningful contributions to both the economy and society.

Silungwe

Silungwe expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, emphasizing the event’s role in fostering collaboration and innovation among Zambia’s leading businesses.

“The Superbrands Awards will highlight brands that have excelled in 2024 and serve as a platform for businesses focused on growth and positive impact,” Silungwe concluded.