The CEO of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Sam Matsekete, notes that swift technological progress is reshaping how people live and operate businesses globally. However, he emphasizes the importance of blending these advances with principles centered around humans and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship.
At the recent Africa University Career Fair held in Mutare, Matsekete stated that we stand on the brink of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. However, even as financial leadership evolves rapidly in this dynamic era, the basic tenets of finance stay constant—emphasizing maximization of returns alongside risk reduction. Financial well-being continues to be central to both individual aspirations and institutional objectives.
It’s not merely about amassing riches; it’s about efficiently managing resources to attain mental tranquility and enduring stability,” Matsekete stated during his presentation titled “Financial Leadership in a Tech-Driven Economy: Managing Transformation and Promoting Business Durability.
Leveraging his vast background in the financial services sector, Matsekete stated that the industry keeps undergoing constant evolution.
“Today, being a leader in finance extends further than just overseeing resources; it involves leveraging technology to develop groundbreaking answers tailored for our swiftly transforming environment. Moving ahead, the collaboration between tech advancements and human needs will be essential. These innovations should prioritize user experiences so that financial services stay pertinent and available within this growingly digitized realm,” he stated.
Emphasizing innovation and flexibility within the financial industry underscored the critical need to remain at the forefront during an age characterized by technological upheaval.
Matsekete also emphasized Old Mutual’s dedication to supporting young professionals and encouraging innovation within Zimbabwe’s economy via programs such as the Eight2Five Innovation Hub.
This business incubator serves as a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, startup companies, and creative individuals. It offers them a cooperative shared workspace along with guidance from mentors and chances to connect with key figures in their industry.
Through involvement in events such as the Africa University job fair, Old Mutual seeks to motivate young people in Zimbabwe to chase after professions that help them achieve their individual goals while simultaneously benefiting society and the overall economy, all while adhering to the correct principles, he stated.
Matsekete emphasized the crucial need to provide the upcoming generation with the abilities required to succeed in an ever-more digital landscape.
“The demand for diverse expertise is growing, with professionals from various backgrounds playing an essential role in enhancing problem-solving and driving innovation within the financial services sector,” he remarked.
“As the finance industry continues to evolve, so too must the skill sets of its professionals. Today’s financial experts must be tech-savvy and data-driven to make informed decisions that drive business success.”
He emphasized that the financial services industry now requires a significantly wider array of talents compared to the past, due to the necessity for quicker adaptation and maintaining effective connections with the rapidly changing demands and population dynamics of society.
He also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in business practices and urged organizations to integrate ethical considerations and social responsibility into their operations.
“Sustainability must be at the heart of our business practices. We need to ensure that financial projects are evaluated with a long-term perspective, considering the impacts of climate change and other global trends,” he said.
His vision for the future places a significant focus on aligning financial practices with environmental and social considerations. Financial institutions are increasingly tasked with evaluating the long-term viability of ventures and projects in light of global challenges such as climate change.
As Old Mutual continues to lead in the financial services sector, with the company’s commitment to shaping a sustainable future. Through initiatives like the Eight2Five Innovation Hub and active participation in career fairs, Old Mutual is playing a crucial role in empowering the next generation of professionals to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Other presenters at the fair included Professor Rudo Makunike Mutasa, Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, Reverend Prof. Peter Mageto, and Dr. Elizabeth Rutsate.
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