INFORMATION Communication Technology (ICT) minister, Jenfan Muswere, Sports minister, Kirsty Coventry, her deputy Tinoda Machakaire and Agriculture permanent secretary John Bhasera were on Tuesday honoured as part of a 40-member selection of most influential young leaders below the age of 40.

e 40 were awarded certificates at a colourful event held at the Mustard Seed in Harare where a lunch was held in their honour by the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe (ICDZ).

e annual awards are a way of recognising efforts made by individuals in various sectors including governance, business and arts.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour, Malawian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mwayiwayo Mclloyd Polepole urged the influencers to expand their interests further into the region, adding that vast opportunities for growth are yet to be explored.

He also said there was need to strengthen business relations with his country.

“ere are many avenues in Malawi that are a potential for your growth, I have lost count of business areas you can tap into in my country.

ere is an opening for bilateral relations there. Use your influence to grow,” he said.

ICDZ head of membership and training for the 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Leaders in Zimbabwe, Chengetai Ndudzo said the awards were introduced to recognise and outstanding business leaders.

“ese young leaders have exhibited innovativeness and astuteness in the midst of challenging times. ey seized and pursued commercial opportunities that have made their organisations realise sustainable growth and they have evidently committed to make Zimbabwe an upper middle income economy by 2030,” she said.

e awards come at a time the world is still grappling with the global pandemic, COVID-19 proving that the chosen are a force to reckon with as they have managed to sail through the turbulent times, making a mark in their areas of speciality.

e 40 were selected out of hundreds of potential influencers through public votes.