South African grooming brand Legends Barber has entered Zimbabwe with the launch of a barber training centre in Harare’s central business district, marking its first footprint in the country and pushing its international franchise network to more than 10 markets.
Founder and chief executive Sheldon Tatchell announced the expansion this week, positioning the Harare facility as a skills-development hub for unemployed youth aged 18 to 30. No prior experience is required for enrolment.
“This is about creating opportunities, changing lives and impacting the next generation,” Tatchell said. “If you are hungry to learn and ready to change your life, this is an opportunity right here.”
The Harare centre will focus on barbering skills, mentorship and pathways into employment within the Legends network and the broader grooming industry. The company said the move forms part of its Africa expansion strategy and its push to link franchise growth with structured skills training.
Tatchell, who is Chairperson-Elect of the Franchise Association of South Africa, has positioned the brand as both a commercial franchise operation and a youth employment platform. The Zimbabwe entry strengthens its social impact agenda while extending its regional footprint.
Zimbabwe faces persistent youth unemployment and private-sector vocational training initiatives have increasingly filled gaps left by constrained public funding. Legends Barber said the centre will operate as a dedicated training space rather than a traditional retail outlet.
Entrepreneurship has surged in sectors ranging from digital services and logistics to hospitality and personal care. Informal micro-enterprises including barbershops, beauty salons and mobile grooming services, are a key source of income for many young Zimbabweans, though access to quality training and capital remains limited.
Prospective trainees can apply through the company’s training division via email at training@legends.barber.com.
The launch signals growing cross-border franchise interest in Zimbabwe’s urban consumer market, despite broader economic headwinds, as brands test demand while investing in local skills pipelines.
