HARARE - United Family International Church (UFI) founder and celebrity preacher Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has been voted this year’s most influential young Zimbabwean.

A local think-tank, The Gorindemabwe Frontier, which last year released its inaugural list of 100 influential young Zimbabweans, yesterday released its 2012 list which puts Makandiwa at the top of the most influential Zimbabweans under 40.

Memory Nguwi, a managing consultant with Industrial Psychology Consultants is second, while ConTools and Chicken Slice founder Tawanda Mutyebere is number three. Makandiwa’s close ally Uebert Angel, founder of Spirit Embassy Ministries, is placed fourth.

Chris Mugaga, founder of Econometer Global Capital is fifth placed.

Also named on the Top 100 is Daily News photojournalist Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi.

The list also includes George Manyaya, Mbada Diamonds corporate services executive, musician Suluman Chimbetu, Fungai Makoni of Pathfinder Luxury Coaches, minister of Information and Communication Technology Nelson Chamisa among many others.

The Gorindemabwe Frontier describes itself as an “arc of acumen platform whose mandate is to inspire thought leadership in Africa.”

The Gorindemabwe Frontier founder Walter Chimene, said the 100 most influential young Zimbabweans project is inspired by the realistic need to raise the next generation of heroes in Zimbabwe.

“Our definition of influence is derived from the essence of thought leadership. This means that our focus is on young Zimbabweans who are driving agendas that will enable the Zimbabwean society to embrace the future it wishes to see come true."

“The criteria of selection include anchors such as prudent visionary leadership, entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to contribution,” Chimene said.

Chimene said the finalists are drawn from a wide range of entries with judging done by an “independent panel.”