Blessing Nduku
Mckingtorch Zimbabwe made a powerful impression at the recent Women In Enterprise Conference and Awards (WECA), showcasing its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment, highlighting its growing role in gender-inclusive environmental initiatives, and sparking conversations on women-led climate action.
This remarkable achievement was honored at the prestigious WECA, where the organization received recognition for outstanding innovation in the Young Tech Innovation category.
The 12th edition of WECA, hosted by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers under the
theme “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships and Productivity.”
Mckingtorch Zim’s nomination, which came not by self-submission but through industry recognition, highlights the organization’s visible impact in creating green jobs for youth and
women, while promoting climate-smart entrepreneurship.
Mckingtorch Zimbabwe’s model includes producing ecobricks, sustainable furniture, and running awareness campaigns on waste management and clean energy with emphasis on circular economy principles.
Speaking to this reporter, Mckingtorch’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charlene Muguti,
an environmental advocate and waste entrepreneur, hailed the recognition of her work in recycling and women’s empowerment. She described the accolade as a deep affirmation of
their work and values.
“Receiving this award is more than an honor, it’s a powerful affirmation of our mission, our
struggles and our dreams at Mckingtorch Zimbabwe. It is a celebration of years of commitment to finding innovative, practical solutions to environmental problems through technologyand creativity.”
She added that the award reflects not only the team’s resilience but also their belief in empowering young people through sustainable green innovations.
Muguti said the award strengthens their voice in advocating for greener communities and further empowers youth-driven environmental action.
“This platform helps us expand our message that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility. This award validates our recycling model, turning waste into valuable products as an effective and sustainable business approach.”
This recognition comes as Muguti continues to lead impactful projects around waste
management, recycling, youth mentorship, and climate justice across Zimbabwe.
Muguti noted that recycling have the potential to lead climate-smart innovations that
solve real-world problems Awards like WECA encourage us to keep pushing boundaries.” The WECA platform continues to recognize women who are shaping Zimbabwe’s economic andsocial transformation, and Muguti’s win underscores the growing role of women in tech
nology and sustainability.
The Women In Enterprise Conference and Awards (WECA) was established to support and celebrate women in business and was launched with the creation of the ZimTrade Women’s Desk in 2013.
The event brings together women entrepreneurs, government representatives, and private sector leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities, and the resolutions from the conference are used for policy advocacy and to promote the growth of women-owned businesses evolving from basic waste management into a driver of innovation, economic empowermentand climate change resilience.
“We will be able to grow our capacity to recover more waste, reach more communities and
train more young people in waste entrepreneurship. Every product we design, every awareness campaign we run, and every young person we train represents our belief that sustainable change begins with us.”
She pledged to continue scaling innovation in transforming waste into solutions that protect natural resources, combat climate change, and build a resilient circular economy.
“Being recognized at WECA is both humbling and empowering. It shows that the work we
are doing, transforming waste into useful products through innovation, is not only helping the environment but also creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
This recognition shows that women are not just participants but leaders in driving climate solutions and green innovation.”
Muguti added that women in enterprise must embrace sustainability as a pathway to
inclusive economic growth.
“As women entrepreneurs, we The conference concluded on a high note, with Mckingtorch Zimbabwe’s impactful presence leaving a lasting impression on participants.”
Their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment earned praise from stakeholders, solidifying their role as a progressive voice in the development space
