Zimbabwe Is Not an Excuse—It’s the Opportunity

There is a pervasive narrative that “things work” everywhere but here.

In a world where challenges are everywhere—from global inflation to technological disruption and geopolitical tension—it’s tempting to believe we need ideal conditions to succeed. But perfection is an illusion. What truly matters is our mindset. As entrepreneurs our task is not to avoid problems, but to redefine them as opportunities.

Here in Zimbabwe, we have our fair share of hurdles: erratic power supply, creaking infrastructure, a volatile currency. But these are not excuses for mediocrity. They are invitations to create. To innovate. To lead. Mediocrity is not our portion. Excellence is.

There’s No Perfect Environment Anywhere

Look around the globe—there isn’t a single country untouched by some form of crisis. Whether it's inflation in developed nations, tech layoffs, climate instability, or socio-political unrest, there is no utopia for entrepreneurs. What sets successful founders apart isn’t their surroundings—it's their perspective. They turn scarcity into strategy and pressure into performance.

Zimbabwe: The Opportunity, Not the Excuse

John Hunt, Global Creative Chair TBWA Worldwide at the 2024 Africa Leadership Annual Conference  made a statement that really  made me pause and reflect, “Africa is not the excuse.” To that I say: Zimbabwe is not the excuse. It is the opportunity.

Consider this: Ecocash and M-PESA, the revolutionary mobile money services, created to solve the challenge of financial exclusion. This uniquely African solution to an African problem didn't just change financial inclusion in Africa—it disrupted global fintech, helped redefine digital financial services and helped shape global fintech innovation.

From Problems to Possibilities

Every entrepreneur must master the art of opportunity recognition. Where others see dysfunction, we see inefficiency waiting to be optimized. Where others complain about the lack of infrastructure, we develop off-grid solutions.

The essence of innovation is:

1. Reframe the Problem Instead of saying, “This is a problem,” start saying, “This is feedback.” Reframing changes your relationship with the situation:

• Power cuts? Opportunity to invest in solar solutions.
• Poor transport? Opportunity to innovate around mobility (think InDrive or Uber).
• Currency instability? Opportunity for financial innovation.

2. Start with Micro-Experiments

Big challenges can be overwhelming. Break them down.

• Start testing solutions on a small scale.
• Gather real-world feedback.
• Build confidence in your ability to solve.

Small wins build momentum—and show you where value lies.

3. Surround Yourself with Solution-Oriented People

Your network influences your perspective.

• Engage with entrepreneurs, creatives, or builders who constantly find workarounds.
• Join groups and communities that talk opportunity—not doom and gloom.
• Learn how others are converting scarcity into strategy.

4. Use “What If” Thinking

Ask creative questions to unlock ideas:

• What if I had no internet—how would I still serve my market?
• What if I could only use mobile phones—what would my service look like?
• What if I had to do this with half the budget?

Constraints often trigger innovation.

5. Remember: Local Problems, Global Relevance

A problem you solve in Zimbabwe may be relevant to other emerging markets.

• Innovate locally. Scale globally.
• Frame your solution in a way that is transferable to similar markets.

The Power of Mindset

In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck explains how a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed—leads to high achievement. Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe don’t just need skills. We need the mindset to match our ambition.

Equally powerful is Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way, which draws from Stoic philosophy. The central idea? Don’t avoid the obstacle. Move through it. The struggle is the path. Zimbabwe's problems are not our prison. They are our playground for progress.

African Ingenuity, Global Relevance

As we mark Africa Day this month, we must remind ourselves that Africa's greatest export is not minerals or coffee or tourism. It is ingenuity. We solve problems differently. And in a world yearning for new systems, African solutions are more relevant than ever. Let us be the entrepreneurs who create new industries—not despite our environment, but because of it. Let us be the leaders who rise above noise and mediocrity to set global standards of excellence.

A Legacy of Greatness

The challenge will we step up and build the next generation of icons? Now is the time to stop complaining and start executing. Let us become the giants upon whose shoulders today’s youth can stand. Let us build a legacy of sustainable innovation, resilience, and African excellence.