A critical gap in Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem – that saw businesses lacking affordable, high-performance hosting solutions and practical digital marketing training tailored for the African market – was a catalyst for Solomon Gumunyu to embark on his entrepreneurship journey.
Today, he is an established entrepreneur at the helm of two companies: iHost Africa, a web hosting company and the School of Digital Marketing.
“At the age of 23, driven by my passion for innovation, I took a bold step and founded iHost Africa, which quickly became one of Zimbabwe’s most reliable hosting providers. This marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, where I focused on empowering businesses with digital solutions,” reveals Solomon.
“Recognizing the growing need for practical digital marketing education, I established the School of Digital Marketing (SDM) in 2019. SDM has since played a pivotal role in training professionals and businesses, equipping them with real-world skills to thrive in the digital economy,” he adds.
Juggling Two Balls
Solomon’s acumen as an entrepreneur is exemplified by his ability to not only lead two companies but to steer them both towards two growth and sustainable trajectories at the same time.
IHost Africa was launched to provide cost-effective, high-speed hosting services for businesses in Zimbabwe and across Africa. It has since grown into a trusted name in web hosting, domain management, and cloud solutions.
School of Digital Marketing (SDM), on the other hand, was created to bridge the digital skills gap, helping businesses and individuals master SEO, social media marketing, paid advertising, and data-driven marketing strategies.
“Today, SDM has trained professionals from some of Zimbabwe’s top companies, empowering them to compete in the global market,” explains Solomon.
“My companies are headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, and I lead a growing team of digital experts, trainers, and IT specialists dedicated to transforming businesses through technology and education,” he adds.
Technology Enthusiast
As a child growing up in Zimbabwe, Solomon says he developed a deep curiosity about all things technology, business, and digital marketing from an early age.
“After completing my education, I entered the professional world at Webdev, one of Zimbabwe’s leading digital solutions providers.
“Working there for two years allowed me to gain hands-on experience in web hosting, IT solutions, and digital platforms, laying the foundation for my future entrepreneurial journey.
“The digital landscape has transformed significantly, from basic social media marketing to AI-driven advertising, automation, and data analytics. When I started, many Zimbabwean businesses were hesitant about digital solutions. Today, companies cannot afford to ignore digital transformation.”
Punching Above His Weight
One of the biggest challenges Solomon faced was breaking into the digital industry as a young entrepreneur. Convincing businesses to trust a locally owned hosting provider over international giants was not an easy task.
“However, by delivering high-quality service and ensuring customer satisfaction, iHost Africa gained recognition as a leading hosting provider in Zimbabwe. Another challenge was bridging the knowledge gap in digital marketing.
“Many companies relied on traditional marketing methods and were hesitant to adopt digital strategies. Through SDM, I focused on hands-on, practical training, allowing businesses to see real results, which helped build trust in digital marketing solutions.
“For me, the key lessons in all of these challenges I faced was that resilience, adaptability, as well as delivering value are all crucial ingredients in the success of any business.”
A Positive Impact
Since 2019, SDM has successfully trained thousands of professionals and helped some of Zimbabwe’s largest companies to enhance their digital strategies. Additionally, SDM has partnered with Digitally Smart (UK) to offer an internationally accredited Certified Digital Marketing Program, ensuring graduates meet global industry standards.
“With regards to the AI & Digital Expo 2025, I am leading efforts to host this event, bringing together tech innovators, business leaders, and digital experts to shape the future of AI-driven marketing in Africa,” Solomon says.
At iHost Africa, Solomon’s leadership and entrepreneurship capabilities have also been on display.
“Today, iHost Africa powers numerous business websites as well as e-commerce platforms, thereby helping Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to establish a strong online presence,” he says.
‘Invest In Knowledge’
Solomon says it is critical for young entrepreneurs and others looking to achieve breakthroughs in the business world to invest in knowledge while also embracing technology.
“Start small, but think big. You do not need huge capital. Start with free tools like Google Workspace, WordPress, and social media platforms. Invest in knowledge. The more you understand digital marketing and technology, the better your competitive edge.
“The most important lesson is that continuous innovation is key. The digital space evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires constant learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries.
“Additionally, I have learned that business is not just about making money. It is more about making an impact. Through SDM and my other ventures, my goal is to empower businesses, professionals, and future entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the digital world,” concludes Solomon.
