BY VANESSA TANAKA MUTIRORI
Zimbabwe’s leading advertising authority ZAAPA, in partnership with the Loeries, has announced the relaunch of the Ngoma Awards after an eight year hiatus.
Speaking at the recently held press conference in Harare, Technical Committee Chairperson Paul Makaya highlighted the organisers’ intention to align the awards with the rest of the continent and international creative standards.
ZAAPA plays a pivotal role in championing excellence by setting and upholding professional standards within Zimbabwe’s advertising industry, while also advocating for fair, ethical and sustainable industry practices.
Through its partnership with the Loeries, Africa’s premier platform for recognising creative excellence, the organisation aims to elevate Zimbabwean creativity to internationally recognised standards.
Makaya emphasised that student inclusion is a vital aspect of this year’s awards, highlighting the need to invest in young creatives from the grassroots.
“Most important and dear to my heart, is the inclusion of students.
“Students will not just be spectators but co-creators of the event. They will exhibit and showcase their work and compete in student awards of their own.
“They will also serve as volunteers. If we are serious about the future of the industry, we have to build from the grassroots going up,” said Makaya.
Running under the theme, “Celebrating the Rhythm of Zimbabwe’s Creativity,” the five day event seeks to celebrate innovative work while advancing creative excellence across different categories.
The event will take place as part of Creative Economy Week, running from 23 to 27 November 2026, with each day dedicated to a different theme.
The programme will feature industry summits, masterclasses, exhibitions, networking opportunities and agency showcases, creating a platform for advertisers, filmmakers, videographers, designers, content creators and most importantly students.
There will be given an opportunity to showcase their projects, interact with industry leaders and gain practical exposure to the creative sector.
The relaunch broadens the scope of the awards, hosting seven categories, including Creative Excellence, Digital Innovation and Technology, Brand Building and Strategy, Effectiveness and Impact and most notably, the Student Creatives category, which is open for entries.
On a lighter note, organisers also unveiled the dress code for the awards gala, encouraging guests to embrace an Afro futuristic theme inspired by the bold and imaginative aesthetics of Wakanda, celebrating African heritage through modern and futuristic fashion.
The beautifully designed awards will be presented during the Ngoma Awards Gala Night at the Hyatt Regency Harare formerly Meikles Hotel, on November 27, with the host and judging panel expected to be announced in the coming months.
The relaunch also marks a renewed commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player within Africa’s creative economy while providing local creatives with a platform that meets internationally recognised standards.
For more information on how to enter the awards, visit @NgomaAwards.africa and create a free entrant account.
