The Second International Business, Governance and Accounting Conference                                         

CHARTERED GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY INSTITUTE IN ZIMBABWE IN COLLABORATION WITH BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION 

THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTING CONFERENCE

Theme:Revitalising Industries: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

23 – 25 July 2025

Montclair Hotel and Casino, Nyanga, Zimbabwe

1.1 About the Conference

The International Business, Governance & Accounting Conference is an annual multidisciplinary international event that serves as a nexus for expertise, bringing together thought leaders, academics, innovators, business practitioners, post graduate students and non-governmental organisations representatives. It’s an avenue where experts present new research, innovative tools, and evolving industry norms. This year’s theme “Revitalising Industries: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future” speaks to the importance of modernizing and transforming traditional industries by incorporating innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability. This conference seeks to bring together various stakeholders from different industries in-order to come up with strategies to accelerate and drive industrial innovation and growth. The outcomes of the conference will contribute to revitalizing industries in Zimbabwe and the region at large.

Background

Zimbabwe’s economic landscape is at a pivotal juncture, with industries and businesses facing both challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving global environment. The theme, “Revitalising Industries: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” underscores the urgent need to reimagine traditional business models and industrial practices to align with sustainable development goals.

The conference aims to address critical issues such as the impact of technological advancements, climate change, and shifting market dynamics on Zimbabwe’s business and industrial sectors. It seeks to foster dialogue among stakeholders, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics, to explore innovative solutions that can drive economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Zimbabwe’s rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location in Southern Africa present unique opportunities for industrial revitalization. However, challenges such as limited access to capital, outdated infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles have hindered progress. By leveraging global best practices and fostering innovation, Zimbabwe can unlock its full economic potential and position itself as a competitive player in regional and international markets.

This conference will serve as a platform to share insights, showcase success stories, and build partnerships that can catalyze transformative change. It will highlight the importance of adopting green technologies, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable industrial growth. Together, participants will chart a path toward a resilient and prosperous future for Zimbabwe’s business and industrial sectors.

1.2 Conference objectives

The key objectives of the conference are:

  • To provide a forum for sharing ongoing research outputs and engaging in dialogue on industrial revitalization and accelerating growth.
  • To provide space for the ongoing discussion of innovation and industrialization.
  • To contribute to the deepening and incorporation of innovation and industrial growth into policy design.
  • To showcase research and promote collaboration on revitalizing industries through innovation.

 

1.3 Conference Tracks

The conference will focus on the following tracks:

  • Leveraging Innovation and Technology for Industrial Growth: Exploring cutting-edge technologies to modernize industries and improve productivity.
  • Green Economies: Sustainable Practices for Businesses and Industries Focusing on environmentally friendly business models and industrial practices.
  • Policy Reform for Business Growth and Industrial Competitiveness: Addressing regulatory and policy barriers to foster a conducive business environment.
  • Financing Innovation: Access to Capital for Sustainable Development Examining innovative financing models and strategies for supporting entrepreneurs and businesses.
  • Human Capital Development for a Competitive Business Landscape: Empowering the workforce through education, skill-building, and innovation-driven training.
  • Public-Private Partnerships for Industrial Growth.
  • Harnessing Renewable Energy for Industrial Growth.
  • Circular Economy in Industrial Sectors.
  • Sustainable Supply Chains: From Source to Consumer.
  • AI and Machine Learning as ingredients for Industry Resource Optimization.
  • Digital Transformation for Sustainable Growth.
  • Smart Industry and Automation for a Sustainable Future.
  • Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Supporting Industrial Innovation.
  • Collaboration Across Sectors for Sustainable Innovation.
  • Social Responsibility and Ethical Innovation

1.4 Targeted Audiences

The conference targets the following audiences from various sectors and industry;

  • University researchers, scholars, and post graduate students.
  • Professionals and practitioners in the corporate sector, including CEOs, CFOs, and heads of departments.
  • Government officials, policymakers, and regulators involved in innovation and sustainability.
  • Members of the professional bodies specializing in Accounting and Corporate Governance, such as CGPs and CGPAs.
  • Industry experts, consultants, and thought leaders in innovation and various sectors.
  • Start-ups, entrepreneurs, and investors interested in innovations and sustainable business solutions.

1.5 Targeted Industries

  • Manufacturing and production,
  • Mining and natural resources,
  • Agriculture and food systems,
  • Energy and utilities,
  • Transport and logistics,
  • Healthcare and pharmaceutical,
  • Construction,
  • Financial services,
  • Tourism and hospitality,
  • Education and skills,
  • Creative industry and media,
  • Cybersecurity and data protection

1.6 Conference Structure

The conference will be held over from 23 to 25 July 2025. Its structure will be designed with the aim of ensuring both targeted deliberations by stakeholders, as well as a broader debate on key topics, encompassing everyone in attendance. The conference will also feature a number of  keynote speakers for plenary sessions. The keynote address will set the tone for the conference, and lay some of the groundwork for all of its debates and deliberations. The conference will also include breakaway sessions to facilitate exchange and discussion of the main conference themes. The conference will end with excursions and a gala dinner.

1.7 Conference Benefits

  • Informing policy decisions
  • Building advocacy skills
  • Enhancing professional development
  • Networking opportunities
  • Learning and development
  • Career advancement
  • Personal growth
  • Research contribution

1.8 Call for Papers

The conference welcomes abstract submissions in any area(s), but not limited to the tracks indicated above.

The scope of research may be theoretical or applied research, and the papers may range from original research papers, survey papers, case studies and academic or scholarly articles, to extended versions of previously published papers in conferences.

Abstract Submission

Abstracts between 200-300 words should be submitted to conference email ibgac@buse.ac.zw and copy to ttowo@buse.ac.zw and mrerayi@cgizim.org

Conference Enquiries

For more information please contact Ms Metricia Rerayi on +263785906098 and Ms Tendai Towo on +263772734713. Or visit www.buse.ac.zw or www.cgiz.org for conference details.

Conference Deadlines

  • Abstract Submission: 30th April 2025
  • Full Paper Submission: 13th June 2025
  • Conference Fees Payment: 11th July 2025

Please ensure that all deadlines are met accordingly