Q. Ten years ago, what moment or conversation convinced you this network needed to exist?
Willard Razawo: As founders and early board members, we observed that Zimbabwean companies were facing growing social and environmental pressures, yet everyone was working in isolation without local benchmarks. We realized that bringing business leaders together under one credible, non-partisan umbrella could turn individual goodwill into measurable national impact.
Q. What were the early days like? What was hardest about getting started?
Willard Razawo: In 2016, we had to build institutional trust from the ground up. Convincing busy executives, regulators, and development partners to invest time and membership into a brand-new network required persistent outreach, strong governance on our own board, and proving our value through practical workshops and credible awards.
Q. When the network moved from CSR to ESG, what was the debate, and what convinced you it was the right step?
Willard Razawo: At the board level, we debated timing and readiness—whether Zimbabwean corporates were ready for rigorous Environmental, Social, and Governance metrics while navigating macroeconomic headwinds. Ultimately, we agreed that keeping the network anchored solely in CSR would leave our members behind global investor expectations and regulatory reforms. Evolving into ESGNZ future-proofed both the organization and the businesses we serve.
Q. Which milestone are you most proud of, and why?
Willard Razawo: Reaching ten years of uninterrupted impact—while earning the trust of key national regulators, financial institutions, and international partners—stands out most. Transforming from a small advocacy group into a respected voice on national sustainability, governance, and climate resilience shows the strength of the foundation we laid.
Q. How has the conversation in Zimbabwean boardrooms changed over the decade?
Willard Razawo: Ten years ago, ESG was rarely mentioned in board charters. Today, boards treat ESG as a core pillar of risk management, brand reputation, and investor readiness. Questions about carbon footprints, supply chain ethics, board diversity, and sustainability disclosures are now standard boardroom priorities.
Q. What did the network learn the hard way?
Willard Razawo: We learned early on that you cannot demand high-level sustainability reporting without first equipping practitioners with practical skills. Launching structured training, internal ESG audits, and technical advisory services was essential to bridge the gap between good intentions and measurable execution.
Q. What do you hope the next ten years will look like?
Willard Razawo: We want the next decade to be defined by verifiable impact—where Zimbabwean companies lead the region in transparent sustainability disclosures, green innovation, and inclusive community empowerment. Our goal is for ESGNZ to remain the catalyst that turns responsible leadership into lasting national prosperity.
