The trailblazer: Mr Tatenda Vimbe
By Dickson Bandera
LONDON, 9 July 2025 — Botswana-based Zimbabwean businessman Mr Tatenda Vimbe, Founder and Executive Chairman of Tatsand Mining Services, and Director & Group CEO of the Lucient Group with Subsidiaries Machinery Contractors and Lucient Engineering, was honoured on Wednesday night with the Special Commendation Award at the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Africa’s business landscape.
The African Business Leadership Awards — hosted annually by African Leadership Magazine — took place during the Africa Summit London, a two-day gathering of the continent’s top policymakers, business magnates, and thought leaders at The Landmark Hotel and the UK House of Lords.
Held under the theme of showcasing African opportunities to the world, this year’s event celebrated men and women whose work is driving the continent’s economic renaissance.
For Tatenda Vimbe, the award is a powerful endorsement of a career defined by grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering communities through responsible mining and local enterprise development.
Born in rural Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, Vimbe rose from humble beginnings to establish Tatsand Mining Services — now one of Botswana’s leading indigenous mining companies, known for setting benchmarks in ethical practices, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship.
Tatsand Mining Services delivers integrated solutions to Southern Africa’s mining sector, covering engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, transport, and automotive services under one roof. The company’s locally owned model champions innovation, safety, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth.
The group of companies led by Vimbe have expanded beyond Botswana into Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Namibia, underscoring his bold vision for regional growth.
Receiving the award in London, Vimbe dedicated the honour to every African child walking the dusty roads of the continent, urging them never to lose hope.
“My story is the story of that child still walking those dusty red roads of Africa who thinks there’s no hope — there is hope,” he declared. “Look at me today. Because of resilience, the lion-like courage in me, and faith in people, I stand here. To the African child, I say: there is hope. Never despair — believe in yourself.”
Vimbe also used the global stage to invite investors to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe and Botswana, assuring them of supportive leadership and secure returns.
“Our leadership — His Excellency President Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe and His Excellency President Boko in Botswana — are open for business,” Vimbe said. “Come to Zimbabwe, come to Botswana. We will ensure your investments are safe and repatriated without hindrance.”
Mr Tatenda Vimbe (third from left, 2nd row) pictured with Prof Paul Mapfumo (second from left, 2nd row) Vice Chancellor University of Zimbabwe in the House of Lords, UK, Day 2, ALMA Africa Summit London 2025
Championing inclusive growth, Vimbe highlighted how women empowerment has become central to his business ethos. “At Tatsand, one of our ventures, women now hold the majority shareholding. This is the future we believe in — building equity and opportunity for all,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude to partners and co-founders who have supported his journey, including Lerang Selolwane and Masego Mokitimi. In Zimbabwe, Vimbe paid tribute to various government officials and business people including Minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Dr Kuda Tagwirei, Hon Joseph Mupasi MP for Shurugwi North, Cllr Wilbert Rambanapasi, Tongogara Rural District Council (RDC) chairperson and Sabhuku Fair Magwegwe, among others whom he says have given him support for success.
Over the years, Vimbe has emerged as a leading advocate for local content development in Botswana’s mining sector, creating jobs for youth and ensuring rural communities benefit directly from mineral wealth. His transparent, community-focused approach has positioned Tatsand as a model of responsible enterprise within Africa’s extractive industries.
This year’s ALMA Africa Summit London explored themes including financial leadership, digital transformation, foreign direct investment, and sustainable innovation. Delegates gained valuable insights into how trade, multilateral development institutions (MDIs), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and emerging technologies are reshaping Africa’s economic future.
The awards night concluded with the unveiling of the ABLA 2025 Honourees Edition of African Leadership Magazine, cementing the legacy of this year’s trailblazers. The ABLA remains one of Africa’s most respected recognitions of business excellence, celebrating individuals whose work continues to prove the continent’s capacity to lead, innovate, and inspire.
