Josephine Chinake’s journey from Sunningdale, Harare, has been marked by an unwavering passion for technology and entrepreneurship. A dynamic leader with a clear vision from a young age, Josephine was determined to blend her love for business with her fascination for technology—a pursuit that has since evolved into a thriving career.
Growing up, Josephine knew that owning a business was her ultimate goal. However, she was equally captivated by computers, which she saw as the gateway to the world of technology. This dual passion led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Business Management and Information Technology at the Catholic University of Zimbabwe. Later, she earned a Global MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship from the Catholic University of Milan, which helped her sharpen her leadership skills and business acumen.
Her educational background equipped Josephine not only to understand the intricacies of business but also to recognize the pressing need for innovation in the tech space. However, it was her personal journey in the tech world that truly ignited her calling. Despite her drive, Josephine faced a daunting challenge that many women in tech encounter: the lack of mentorship. The few female role models in the field were difficult to access, and the struggle for guidance was real. In 2021, this frustration led her to create Girls in Tech Zimbabwe (GITZ)—a community-driven initiative designed to empower women in tech by connecting, mentoring, and supporting one another.
“The passion that I have for creating Girls in Tech came from my own journey and experiences during my college years and beyond. I was actively looking for female mentors in the tech space to guide me, but those mentors were not easily available. I had to study and learn from mentors on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook,” Josephine said.
In its early stages, GITZ was born out of necessity. Josephine envisioned a network where women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) could thrive. She noticed a significant gap in mentorship and guidance for young female tech enthusiasts. The solution was clear: build a platform where women of all ages and stages could come together, collaborate, and inspire each other. Today, GITZ is not only a thriving community but also a self-sustaining business that provides value to its members and the broader tech ecosystem.
“That frustration of not having physical access to mentors led to the emergence of Girls in Tech Zimbabwe as a community of women from different fields and stages of life. We’ve created a hub where women can mentor, teach, train, and inspire one another,” she recalls.
“I am passionate about empowerment, especially women’s empowerment. What I’ve done in my own capacity is create Girls in Tech Zimbabwe. The idea behind it was to build a community where women support each other, and ultimately, we become a hub of talented individuals in STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.”
GITZ’s impact has expanded beyond mentorship. As Josephine’s professional journey evolved, so did her understanding of the challenges faced by Zimbabwean entrepreneurs. Working closely with startups through initiatives like Templelite Technologies and the Simbiso Jumpstart Initiative, she noticed the pressing need for infrastructure that supports early-stage businesses.
“I’ve been working with many entrepreneurs since 2019, and it’s been going well. I am also a consultant in the tax space and a trainer for Human-Centered Design. I work very closely with the renowned Audrey Simbiso Chidawanyika. Additionally, I serve as a board member for the Zimbabwe chapter of the E4Impact Network, a global network of entrepreneurs invested in impact entrepreneurship,” Josephine shares.
Unlike many countries with robust startup ecosystems, Zimbabwe lacks a startup act that protects entrepreneurs with favorable tax policies and funding access. Josephine set out to bridge this gap by focusing on product management and developing systems that could help entrepreneurs navigate the volatile market landscape.
“We do not have a startup act like other African countries or those in the Global North,” Josephine explains. “We also lack tax brackets to cushion entrepreneurs. As a product manager, I’ve sought to build systems and solutions that help entrepreneurs succeed as startups in this country. Ideally, I would love to see them grow from the idea stage to having prototypes and eventually fully developed companies. The Zimbabwean market is not conducive for startups to succeed, which is why we don’t have unicorns emerging from Zimbabwe.”
Startups in Zimbabwe are fighting an uphill battle, but despite the challenges posed by the country’s unpredictable economic climate—marked by currency shifts and policy changes—Josephine’s adaptability and foresight have allowed her businesses to remain resilient. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed and responsive in such a volatile environment.
“You have to be swift, keep your ear to the ground, and be ready to pivot,” she says.
“The environment changed drastically from 2017. We had the Zimbabwe dollar, then the bond notes, then RTGS, and now ZIG. It’s a nightmare for business, but by the grace of God, we are managing to stay afloat. Anything can happen, and nothing is predictable in this country. The way we’ve stayed ahead of trends is by following those who have made it, learning from them, and adopting strategies to manage the crises at hand. Many people are losing their funds and businesses due to policy inconsistencies and constant changes by the government. We’ve adjusted our efforts to align with the Zimbabwean economy by being quick and responsive.”
Josephine’s resilience is also evident in her ability to overcome the challenges of securing clients. Early in her career, she faced difficulties in landing big contracts due to her company’s youth and lack of established references. However, her commitment to delivering quality service and excellence to her existing clients ensured their loyalty, which eventually led to further growth. Today, her company offers bulk SMS services, catering specifically to startups and entrepreneurs who need affordable, reliable communication tools to scale their businesses.
A key aspect of Josephine’s leadership style is her commitment to continuous learning and growth. She frequently advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on building their digital presence through platforms like LinkedIn, recognizing the power of social media to establish credibility and engage with key stakeholders. For Josephine, being active on digital platforms is not just about visibility—it’s about strategic communication and leveraging these tools to build a sustainable business.
Her entrepreneurial journey is also shaped by her belief in the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI has become a buzzword globally, Josephine’s perspective is uniquely African. She advocates for the development of “African Intelligence,” using African data to train AI systems tailored to local contexts. For her, AI is not a threat to jobs but a tool that can make tasks easier, enhance productivity, and ultimately, drive African innovation.
Through all of this, Josephine has learned invaluable lessons about time management, resilience, and failure. “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart,” she admits. “There will be failures, there will be setbacks, but the key is to fail fast, learn from those mistakes, and keep moving forward.” She credits time management as one of the most critical skills an entrepreneur can master. “Time is the one resource you cannot afford to waste, and managing it well is the difference between success and failure.”
As Josephine’s influence continues to grow, she remains committed to one fundamental goal: empowering others. Through her work with the EmpowerZim Women Project, a new initiative supported by the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter, Josephine is equipping women across Zimbabwe with essential digital skills, enabling them to close the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The EmpowerZim Women Project will span five provinces in Zimbabwe, targeting areas with limited access to technology and digital literacy programs. Josephine’s role will ensure that this initiative not only succeeds but leaves a lasting impact on the women and communities it serves.
Josephine Chinake is a leader who has not only navigated the tech and business worlds but has also reshaped them. Through innovation, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to empowering women and entrepreneurs, she is building the future of Zimbabwe’s tech ecosystem—one groundbreaking initiative at a time.