Blog #Entrepreneurship

In late July 2026, Zimbabwe's Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, stood in Bulawayo and launched something the country's capital markets had never quite had before. It was called the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange, or ZEEX, and its purpose was disarmingly simple to state even though the problem it addresses has proven stubbornly difficult to solve: getting money into the hands of small and medium enterprises that banks have historically been unwilling or unable to fund. ZEEX did not appear out of nowhere. It was built by ZSE Holdings, the group that already runs the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, and it is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe.

Similarly, in purpose context with Apple’s world wide developer conference, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), held annually in Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city, has long been a significant event in the southern African region consistently drawing attention from businesses and investors across the region and beyond. This year, the annual business showcase, one of the country’s largest trade events, is running from April 21 to April 26, 2025, under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Landscape.” Dubbed the Blue Sapphire Edition, this year’s theme underscores the role of industrialisation in fostering economic transformation, investment and regional integration. It seeks to attract investors, open doors for entrepreneurs and businesses, both experienced and those new to the field. So what to expect this year?

Entrepreneurs are often recognized as the backbone of the economy and for good reason. They drive innovation, create jobs, and inject vitality into industries, fueling economic growth and shaping the future. From small local startups to global disruptors, entrepreneurs identify problems, deliver solutions, and push boundaries, building the businesses that keep economies dynamic and evolving. However, starting and sustaining a business is a challenging endeavor. From my own long entrepreneurial journey, I've learned that success isn't just about having a great idea it's about execution, resilience, and strategy.