Mckingtorch Zimbabwe has been recognised for its outstanding innovation in the Young Tech Innovation category at the 12th edition of the Women in Enterprise Conference and Awards (WECA), held under the theme “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships and Productivity.”
The award, hosted by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), celebrated the company’s groundbreaking work in turning waste into sustainable, value-added products — a model that has made visible impact in promoting green jobs and climate-smart entrepreneurship across Zimbabwe.
Unlike many entries, Mckingtorch Zimbabwe’s nomination came through industry recognition rather than self-submission, highlighting the company’s growing influence in waste management innovation and youth empowerment.
Environmental advocate and waste management entrepreneur Charlene Muguti, who leads Mckingtorch Zimbabwe, said the award was a powerful affirmation of the organisation’s mission and resilience.
“Receiving this award is more than an honour — it’s a powerful affirmation of our mission, our struggles, and our dreams at Mckingtorch Zimbabwe,” Muguti said. “It celebrates years of commitment to finding innovative, practical solutions to environmental problems through technology and creativity.”
Muguti said the recognition underscores her team’s belief in empowering young people through sustainable, green innovation and strengthens their advocacy for climate action.
“This platform helps us expand our message that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility. The award validates our recycling model of turning waste into valuable products as a sustainable business approach,” she said.
Mckingtorch Zimbabwe has become known for producing eco-bricks, sustainable furniture, and conducting awareness campaigns on waste management and clean energy, with an emphasis on circular economy principles.
Muguti said recycling is evolving from basic waste management into a driver of innovation, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
“We’ll 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 and every awareness campaign we run represents our belief that sustainable change begins with us,” she said.
She pledged to continue scaling up innovation in transforming waste into solutions that protect natural resources, combat climate change, and build a resilient circular economy.
“Being recognised at WECA is both humbling and empowering. It shows that transforming waste through innovation not only helps the environment but also creates economic opportunities for marginalised communities. It proves that women are not just participants but leaders in driving climate solutions and green innovation,” Muguti added.
She also urged women entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability as a pathway to inclusive economic growth.
The WECA platform continues to recognise women who are shaping Zimbabwe’s economic and social transformation, with Muguti’s win highlighting the growing role of women in technology, sustainability, and climate-smart enterprise.
