Just before embarking on the final and probably most important part of his high school journey, Believe Mabutu suddenly found himself having to make a bold decision that would determine the future trajectory of his career path.
A teenager who had never been at such a crossroads before, Believe was determined – even at that early age – to follow his heart.
Choosing the right path
“My educational journey began at Ariel Primary School in Ruwa, Harare, where I developed a strong foundation in academics. As I progressed to Winwood College for high school and for my Ordinary Level studies, I became increasingly fascinated with business and economics. I opted to study commercial subjects, which laid the groundwork for my future pursuits,” Believe recalls.
“But when it was time for my Advanced Level studies, I found myself at a crossroads. I was torn between pursuing arts subjects, which would have allowed me to become an advocate, and commercial subjects, which aligned with my passion for business and finance. Initially, I chose to study arts subjects, but after a year and a half, I realized that my true calling was in the world of finance.
“I made the bold decision to switch schools and start my A-Level studies anew, this time focusing on a combination of both arts and commercial subjects at Hillcrest College in Manicaland, Mutare. This move allowed me to explore my interests in a more holistic way and ultimately prepared me for the complexities of the global financial markets.”
It was this decision that sowed the seeds that would germinate into Mabutu Group of Investors and its subsidiary, Xau Prime Forex.
An inquisitive mind
The impressive marks he scored in class demonstrated just how he took his studies seriously. But as the realization that his studies alone would not be enough to equip him with the knowledge he needed to establish and run the kind of business he wanted set in, Believe began acquiring more knowledge.
“I enrolled for online courses from the University of Salford in the UK and California Online University. These courses provided me with a deeper understanding of financial markets, trading, and economics.
“My parents played a significant role in supporting my educational endeavors, providing me with the necessary financial assistance to pursue my online courses. As I delved deeper into the world of finance, I realized the importance of networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals.
“I began attending business conferences in Harare, which not only broadened my knowledge but also introduced me to respected professionals in the industry. Many of these connections have since become mentors, advisors, and even business partners.”
His decision to establish Mabutu Group of Investors – as a venture that brings together innovative business ideas and a team of experts who help assess and develop them – created a platform for a community of entrepreneurs and investors to collaborate, share knowledge and drive growth.
The birth of Xau Prime Forex
This in turn led to the birth – in late 2024 – of XAU Prime Forex, a company dedicated to educating individuals in Zimbabwe on the art of profitable trading in forex, stocks, binaries and cryptocurrencies.
“The name XAU Prime Forex is a nod to my favorite commodity, gold, which is represented by the currency code XAU. Through this platform, I hope to empower Zimbabweans with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of trading.”
As chief executive of XAU, Believe heavily leans on his expertise in financial markets to provide bespoke training and consulting services to clients.
He also oversees the delivery of personalized tutoring and mentorship programs, empowering clients to navigate the complexities of financial markets, conducting in-depth market analysis and research as well as providing actionable insights to clients.
XAU also prioritises offering expert trade signals and recommendations to subscribers, helping them optimize their trading strategies, fostering a supportive online community as well as facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing among clients.
Successes and challenges
While XAU has managed to score some significant victories in its three months of existence, Believe is quick to point out the challenges he has had to contend with along the way.
“Although XAU Prime Forex was established only three months ago, we have made notable progress in promoting financial literacy and inclusion in Zimbabwe. To date, we have introduced the concept of forex trading to over 100 individuals across the country, providing them with a foundational understanding of global financial markets.
“Furthermore, we are proud to announce our strategic partnership with VCG Markets Zimbabwe, the country’s pioneering forex trading broker. This collaborative initiative is poised to drive growth, innovation, and market penetration in the coming year. As we look ahead to 2025, we are confident that our synergistic efforts will yield remarkable progress, further solidifying our position as a leading player in Zimbabwe’s financial services sector.
“Our primary challenge lies in addressing the knowledge gap and dispelling traditional mindsets prevalent among potential clients. Many individuals remain skeptical about the viability of generating income through global market data analysis alone.
“This misconception stems from a lack of understanding regarding the complexities and opportunities inherent in financial markets. As a result, we have intensified our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the benefits of our services, emphasizing the potential for informed decision-making and strategic investment.”
A bright and promising future
As Believe looks to the future, he is confident of growing his businesses and achieving significant expansions and revenue growth. And while he is determined to achieve this dream within the next five years, he has already demonstrated an ability to accomplish this before that time.
Leaving an enduring legacy for others remains an important aspect of what the young entrepreneur considers to be success.
“I remain committed to creating a lasting legacy that extends beyond my business accomplishments. I aim to empower and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, foster economic growth and development in Zimbabwe and contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic transformation.”