The journey to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zimbabwe has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of the Leadership Training Series, an initiative spearheaded by Rufaro Natalie Manikai.
Officially kicked off on 16 August 2025 at Sterling Hub in Harare, the program is designed to train 150 entrepreneurs primarily women between now and November.
The series, inspired by Rufaro’s experience with the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), aims to bridge critical gaps in leadership, branding, and digital skills that often hold back small businesses from scaling. For just $10 per participant, attendees not only access practical training but also receive post-program support a rare and valuable addition in Zimbabwe’s fragmented entrepreneurial support landscape.
Rufaro serves as Brand Expert at Tsebo Solutions Group, Co-Founder of Agile-Edge Consultancy, and host of the Beyond Business & Branding podcast.
“ I am doing this initiative for entrepreneurs, it’s giving back to the community through a program I did called AWEC. Started my first session 16 August and it will run till November to train about 150 entrepreneurs, mainly women,” Rufaro said.
The initiative is more than a workshop series. It is a platform for transformation. Each session blends practical skills with strategic insights, covering:
- Leading with purpose: aligning values with business actions.
- Building a powerful personal and business brand: telling stories that resonate.
- Communicating with clarity and confidence: enhancing influence through effective messaging.
- Leveraging LinkedIn and digital tools: navigating a globalized marketplace.
- Growing sustainably: scaling without losing vision or impact.
With sessions hosted at Sterling Hub in Eastlea, the program is designed to be affordable and accessible, a critical addition in an environment where many entrepreneurs struggle to sustain momentum after short-term training.
Zimbabwe’s Entrepreneurial Landscape
Zimbabwe has one of Africa’s highest rates of entrepreneurship, driven by necessity and creativity. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women in particular play a vital role, often balancing business ventures with family responsibilities. Yet, many remain excluded from access to training, capital and mentorship.
Rufaro’s initiative directly addresses these gaps. By focusing on leadership development, digital fluency and personal branding, the program is positioning women to compete not only locally but regionally and globally.
Beyond Training: Building a Movement
While the series is still in its early stages, its long-term vision is clear. Rufaro and her team at Agile-Edge Consultancy see this as the beginning of a larger ecosystem of purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are ready to “thrive, not just survive.”
“Let’s build a generation of bold, purpose-driven women leaders,” Rufaro emphasized.
For participants, the training is already proving transformative. Feedback from the first session highlights newfound confidence, clearer business strategies and a sense of community something many entrepreneurs often lack in Zimbabwe’s fragmented business landscape.
Looking Ahead
With eight more sessions to go, anticipation is high. The next gathering, set for 30 August, promises another hands-on, interactive experience where aspiring women leaders will sharpen their entrepreneurial edge and strengthen their networks.
“Join us on 30 August for an empowering, hands-on training designed for women aged 18 and above who have a dream, a hustle, or a business idea they’re ready to grow,” Rufaro concludes.
As Zimbabwe navigates an uncertain economic environment, initiatives like these are more than workshops they are incubators of resilience. They represent a shift in the entrepreneurial narrative: from survivalist hustles to sustainable, purpose-driven enterprises.
And at the center of that shift is a new kind of leader, one like Rufaro Natalie Manikai, who is proving that when women lead with clarity, confidence and community, entire economies stand to benefit.
