Navigating Business in Zimbabwe: From Family Legacies to Modern Opportunities
My entrepreneurial journey didn't originate from my parents but rather from my grandparents. Around 1935, my paternal grandfather opened a Miele washing machine shop, while my maternal grandfather ventured into various businesses, including coal retailing and hotel-café-restaurant ownership. Their ventures, however, faced challenges due to the economic downturn of the 1930s and World War II. This history made my parents apprehensive about running a business, and their advice to me was simple: secure a stable job, preferably with the government.
Over the years, I held numerous prestigious positions, worked as an independent consultant, and eventually became the CEO of an NGO supporting handicapped individuals. Within three years, we increased the organization's budget from 22 to 30 million USD. This achievement was a direct result of implementing the strategies I'd advised clients on for over three decades, and my free education as the program director of a private business school in The Netherlands.
But does this expertise translate to my new home, Zimbabwe?
While Zimbabwe presents unique challenges, opportunities are abundant. The president's motto is "Zimbabwe is open for business," and indeed, there are numerous avenues to explore. Almost every Zimbabwean is an entrepreneur at heart, thriving in an economy that leans heavily on informal business practices. This dynamic also affects civil services and traditional businesses, where familial ties often dictate the terms of trade.
My initial venture in Zimbabwe aimed to bridge the gap between Europe's demand for professionals and Zimbabwe's underutilized talent pool. We built a vast network of professionals, ensuring we could meet any demand profitably.
However, in Zimbabwe, business often originates from personal relationships. While optimism is abundant, promises often go unfulfilled due to various reasons. Yet, the primary concern in this informal economy isn't always about budgets; it's about collaborative efforts to generate revenue. The country's significant shortage of foreign currency makes business development a challenge, especially in an international context.
To navigate this, I focus on data analysis, targeted networking, minimizing upfront costs, and promoting performance-based rewards. Our objectives are clear:
- Create more and better-paying jobs to improve living conditions and overall well-being.
- Contribute to Zimbabwe's socio-economic growth.
- Promote Zimbabwe internationally as a land of business opportunities.
- Curb the emigration of skilled and business talents and encourage local entrepreneurship.
- Provide management and leadership training for more efficient companies.
- Offer operational support to small-scale entrepreneurs, enabling them to enhance their profitability.
