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Fostering Growth and Innovation: Kudakwashe Makoni’s Leadership at Africa Entrepreneurs Network

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The President of Africa Entrepreneurs Network, Kudakwashe Makoni, is at the forefront of an organization that helps emerging startups collaborate, network, and secure the support they need to position themselves on a sustainable growth trajectory. One of the major challenges facing entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and Africa is the lack of proper planning, as well as the difficulty in securing adequate funding to get their businesses off the ground.

Why Startups Need Help

On many occasions, while experiencing the chaos and confusion of starting a business, entrepreneurs may neglect to plan and form key growth strategies. They may fail to set up the right project management structures that enhance their chances of success.

Securing funds for a new business is another critical issue that entrepreneurs must address, as it can often mean the difference between survival and failure. While many new entrepreneurs manage to save enough money to start their businesses, it is usually not enough to sustain them for the long term. Steady cash flow is crucial for business endurance, and companies always need to have extra funds set aside to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Some startups assume they can ignore marketing strategies entirely, hoping that word of mouth will be sufficient. However, this is a misguided expectation. Entrepreneurs cannot rely solely on clients finding them; they need to take proactive steps by developing a structured strategy to promote their business.

Given these challenges, new businesses need to ensure they have well-prepared business strategies, including funds for worst-case scenarios. However, this is easier said than done, as many businesses face limited room to maneuver due to the challenges of accessing funding.

This is where the Africa Entrepreneurs Network comes in.

What is the Africa Entrepreneurs Network?

Africa Entrepreneurs Network began its operations in South Africa but has since expanded to Zimbabwe. Its current membership includes entrepreneurs from these two countries, as well as members from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Botswana, Liberia, and other countries.

Established in 2019, the organization is a movement driven by and for entrepreneurs in Africa, with the primary goal of improving the livelihoods of communities across the continent. Kudakwashe Makoni, who initially joined the organization as a public relations coordinator and later rose through the ranks to become president, says the initiative was born out of the desire to address economic challenges, unemployment, and poverty in Africa.

“Our organization aims to empower, grow, and motivate entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills they need to survive and thrive,” Kudakwashe explains. “We started in South Africa, but we’ve since grown and now have members from 20 African countries.”

“The number of startups that emerge but later fold is alarmingly high. Our objective is to improve and extend the lifespan of African entrepreneurs, enabling them to add value to their economies and communities.”

Through tailored workshops and collaborations designed to meet the specific needs of their members, Africa Entrepreneurs Network helps entrepreneurs acquire the essential skills needed for long-term success.

Believing that African entrepreneurs can only thrive through home-grown solutions and by learning from one another, the organization supports entrepreneurs by providing guidance and the necessary resources to succeed.

Rather than prescribing solutions to their challenges, Africa Entrepreneurs Network creates an environment where startups can develop their own business plans. To further support its members, the organization also connects entrepreneurs with investors and companies across various sectors that are interested in their products and services.

“We strongly believe in collaboration between entrepreneurs and connecting them to the right people within their industries. As Africans, we are all affected by the same economic challenges, and we can only overcome our problems by working together,” Kudakwashe says.

Ambitions of Becoming an Accountant

Born in Harare in 1994, Kudakwashe initially aspired to become an accountant. However, the challenging economic environment in Zimbabwe led her to rethink her career path. She attended Christ Ministries High School and went on to earn a degree in business management and entrepreneurship from the Women’s University of Africa (WUA) in 2018.

“I wanted to become an accountant, but the economic challenges in Zimbabwe meant that I couldn’t wait for employment in my chosen profession. I decided to join the Africa Entrepreneurs Network, and I’ve found immense fulfillment in this line of work,” she explains.

Helping emerging businesses find their footing and enabling them to engage with potential clients on a global scale has deepened Kudakwashe’s appreciation for entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurship drives economic growth, diversifies economies, and contributes to the creation of wealth. It fosters innovation by introducing new ideas, products, and services to the market. It also contributes to social change by developing products and services that reduce people’s dependence on outdated technologies.”

“Entrepreneurship addresses social and economic problems by providing solutions that meet society’s needs, fostering competition, improving business efficiency, and lowering prices for consumers. Let’s build the Africa we want and deserve through entrepreneurship.”

With approximately 100 entrepreneurs under its wing, Africa Entrepreneurs Network plays a significant role in helping startups create sustainable foundations that not only support their growth but also contribute to the development of the African economy.

Kudakwashe has the drive, passion, expertise, and determination to ensure these entrepreneurs gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of running a business. Through the Africa Entrepreneurs Network, she is committed to leading them on their path to success

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