A Night Of Elegance And Enterprise: Ndcci 6Th Annual Awards Gala 2025

On 3rd October 2025, Ndola’s business elite gathered at Mukuba Hotel for the 6th Annual NDCCI Awards Gala, themed “Celebrating Vision, Elevating Enterprise.” The event brought together over 600 distinguished guests from business, government, and development sectors to honor entrepreneurial excellence and innovation.

Highlights included:

• Keynote address by Hon. Frank Tayali on Zambia’s transition from “landlocked” to “land-linked” and the $1.4 billion TAZARA revitalization project.

• Award presentations recognizing top businesses across sectors such as transportation, logistics, ICT, insurance, wholesale & retail, and financial services.

• President’s Diligence Awards for ten individuals excelling in service to NDCCI.

• Networking, dinner, entertainment, and sponsor recognition.

The Gala celebrated achievements, fostered collaboration, and reinforced Ndola’s growing reputation as a vibrant economic hub. Through innovation, resilience, and strategic partnerships, the city’s enterprises continue to illuminate Zambia’s path to economic growth.

By Ephraim Mufaya

Laughter, elegance, and the glow of ambition filled the night of 3rd October at Mukuba Hotel, as Ndola’s business elite gathered for the 6th Annual Awards Gala, hosted by the Ndola Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NDCCI).

Under the theme “Celebrating Vision, Elevating Enterprise,” the event was a tribute to entrepreneurial excellence, strategic foresight, and Zambia’s promise of economic resurgence, drawing over 600 distinguished guests from the business, government, and development sectors.

A Night of Elegance and Purpose

The evening began with a red carpet reception, setting the tone for sophistication and celebration. Among the VIPs were the Guest of Honour, Hon. Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Monsieur Jean-Claude Kalunga, Consul General of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event radiated professionalism, pride, and optimism, reflecting Ndola’s growing reputation as a vibrant economic hub.

Gala Chair Mr. Lombe Kampamba officially opened the evening with remarks highlighting NDCCI’s pivotal role in fostering innovation, supporting industry growth, and strengthening regional trade. He reminded attendees that the Gala is not just an awards ceremony—it is the Chamber’s signature event, a platform that brings together government, industry, and the community to recognize businesses and individuals setting benchmarks in manufacturing, mining, logistics, ICT, agriculture, services, and other sectors.

Following Mr. Kampamba’s address, Judging Committee Chair Mr. Steven Sikobela emphasized the integrity of the awards process, commending businesses for their dedication, resilience, and innovation—values that reinforce Ndola’s dynamic business community.

Leadership and Vision

NDCCI President Mrs. Diana Kabaila captured the spirit of the night, reflecting on the Chamber’s milestones and forward-looking vision. She highlighted initiatives such as the SME Conference and Expo, which birthed the Incubator Programme to mentor emerging entrepreneurs, and announced the upcoming Invest in Ndola Forum on 4th November 2025, aimed at attracting investors and strengthening regional partnerships.

Mrs. Kabaila also recognized key sponsors whose support has been instrumental to the Chamber’s success, including Sunshine Millers, Jayden Oils, Sanlam Life Insurance, Hon. Frank Tayali, Discover Insurance, Access Bank, ZANACO, Madison General Insurance, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and Dangote Cement. Their contributions continue to strengthen NDCCI’s impact across the region.

Hon. Frank Tayali: A Message of Hope for the Future

Fresh from an international trip to Beijing—where he signed the $1.4 billion TAZARA revitalization agreement—Hon. Tayali, the keynote speaker, spoke passionately about Zambia’s transition from being “landlocked” to “land-linked.”

He highlighted that Zambia and the DRC hold a combined 70% of the world’s copper and cobalt reserves, essential for emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and smartphones. He elaborated on how the TAZARA project, implemented through a public-private partnership with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), would modernize freight operations, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen Ndola’s position in regional trade.

Hon. Tayali concluded with a powerful message urging Zambia to formalize cross-border trade and expand agricultural production to meet regional demand.

Awards Ceremony: Honoring Visionaries and Achievers

The pinnacle of the evening was the Awards Presentation, celebrating businesses and entrepreneurs who exemplify innovation, growth, and resilience.

Winners included:

Stallion Motors Limited – Transportation Category

VS Cargo Limited – Logistics

Madison General Insurance – General Insurance

Techno Series – ICT Sector

Sailway Investments Limited – Wholesale & Retail

Pangaea ADD Capital – Non-Bank Financial Institutions

Each was recognized for outstanding leadership, creativity, and community impact.

President’s Diligence Awards were also presented to ten individuals—Joseph Malisawa, Paul Chisunka, Chris Chipimo, Debbie Gatchel, Steven Sikobela, Subila Kaunda, Lombe Kampamba, Gomeli Litana, Inutu Mwangela, and Constance Chungu—for their dedication, loyalty, and unwavering service to the Chamber.

Entertainment and Networking

As formal proceedings concluded, guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner accompanied by soft music and sponsor visuals. Networking sessions and a raffle draw added to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere. The night culminated on a lively dance floor, reflecting elegance, unity, and the spirit of enterprise that defines Ndola’s business community.

The NDCCI 6th Annual Awards Gala 2025 was more than an awards ceremony—it was a statement of confidence in Ndola’s business future. Through collaboration, innovation, and resilience, the city’s enterprises continue to illuminate Zambia’s economic path, one visionary enterprise at a time.