Zvishavane, Zimbabwe | The recently held Zvishavane Business Seminar, although modest in attendance, marks an important milestone for Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial community.
The seminar, which drew a handful of high-level delegates from across Zimbabwe may not have lived up to its initial expectations in terms of turnout, but it undoubtedly sets the stage for future events aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.
The Zvishavane Business Seminar 2024, held on a modest budget of $10,000, was designed to be an intimate gathering of business minds, focusing on fostering knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and guidance for budding entrepreneurs.
Though attendance was not as high as anticipated, the event provided a unique opportunity for those present to gain valuable insights from experienced business leaders.
Dr. Banabasi Marambire, a renowned entrepreneur and the driving force behind Barmlo Construction, was one of the key speakers and sponsors of the event. His company’s sponsorship of the seminar highlighted his commitment to uplifting and mentoring fellow entrepreneurs.
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In his address, Dr. Marambire emphasized the importance of supporting other businesses from a place of genuine intent. “The spirit of supporting other entrepreneurs is purely coming from a genuine heart, not to exploit money from small businesses,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration and mentorship in the business world.
A central theme of Dr. Marambire’s speech was the critical role of business coaching. Drawing a parallel between entrepreneurs and professional athletes, he highlighted how even the best talents in sports, like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, still require coaches to guide them.
“Brilliant football players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, etc., have coaches. It doesn’t mean that they don’t know how to play soccer, but they only need a coach who guides them to play with a winning formula. The players play better than the coaches. The role of the coaches is to guide and give direction,” Dr. Marambire explained.
This analogy underscores a powerful message: no matter how skilled or successful an entrepreneur might be, having a mentor or guide can make the difference between success and failure. Dr. Marambire cautioned entrepreneurs against going at it alone, stating, “If you are an entrepreneur who doesn’t have a coach, you are in danger and risk failing.”
Despite the relatively low turnout, the Zvishavane Business Seminar is viewed as a positive step towards building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zimbabwe. The event provided a space for dialogue, networking, and mentorship—elements crucial for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). More importantly, it highlighted the need for consistent support systems, like coaching, to nurture Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial talent.
As Dr. Marambire noted in his closing remarks, “I wish many entrepreneurs could have attended the event because that was a business coaching event.” His reflection on the event emphasized the importance of future seminars and workshops to provide guidance and structure for entrepreneurs, particularly in a challenging economic environment like Zimbabwe’s.
With the support of influential business figures like Dr. Marambire and other stakeholders, future seminars are expected to draw larger crowds and provide even greater value to entrepreneurs.
For many Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, events like the Zvishavane seminar could become key in navigating the complexities of running a business in a volatile market. As the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zimbabwe continues to evolve, more such initiatives will be needed to foster resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.
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