Home Inspiration Kudzai Murongazvombo, the curator of World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Harare Hub shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.
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Kudzai Murongazvombo, the curator of World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Harare Hub shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.

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In its 2020 report, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) revealed that around 580 000 young people left Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities in other countries.

According to the Labour Market Diagnostic Analysis Report by the United Nations (UN) affiliated organisation, most of those who left the country mentioned lack of employment opportunities as the main reason for their departure.

Due to their proximity, South Africa and Botswana are the leading destinations chosen by Zimbabwean immigrants.

However, many highly skilled and semi-skilled Zimbabweans also immigrated to other parts of the world such as United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and other parts of the world to escape the difficult conditions and high unemployment rate back home.

The demand for labour in the United Kingdom increased due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic making it a popular destination for most Zimbabwean youths. A number of them left their jobs to go and work as caregivers in the UK’s health sector.

While many people in Zimbabwe have been flocking out of the country, there are those who have chosen to remain and against seemingly insurmountable odds, they have managed to break new ground and establish themselves in businesses and corporate sectors.

One such person is Kudzai Murongazvombo, the curator of Global Shapers Harare Hub. The Global Shapers Community is a network of city-based hubs that have been developed and are led by young leaders who want to develop their leadership potential towards serving society.

Through self belief and working hard in his academics, Kudzai has also risen to become the acting group head of sales and managing executive at National Foods Limited Zimbabwe.

He identifies his passion to serve his community and country as a driving force behind his decision to find opportunities in Zimbabwe and create a platform upon which to assist emerging entrepreneurs and young people to realize their potential.

“I would like to be known for playing an integral part in the growth of businesses and enterprises across the continent; pioneering responsible leadership in the various capacities I serve in, as well as inspiring the youth to lead the dialogue around sustainable economic development with key stakeholders,” Kudzai said on LinkedIn. 

Kudzai has worked in varying capacities across diverse sectors, spanning from production to retail, agro-chemicals, home living, quick service retail as well as fast moving consumer goods.

The list of accolades he has managed to scoop over the past three years speaks volumes of the impact he has achieved in the Zimbabwe business landscape.

In 2021, Gumiguru Zimbabwe awarded him the Young Business Leader of the Year award. The Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe named Kudzi among their 2024 list of 40 most influential young business leaders under the age of 40.

Additionally, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers named him among the 2024 top 200 retail/wholesale value chain leaders.

As his influence and reputation continues to grow, Kudzai has also chosen to mentor young entrepreneurs and show them that through a proper approach, guidance and efficient structures, they can be able to grow their trades.

After completing his high-school education at St. George’s College, Kudzai attained a dual degree in Business Studies and Computer Science from the University of Zimbabwe. He proceeded to complete his MBA studies with the Africa Leadership University Business School, which is based in Rwanda.

A firm believer in good academic grounding, Kudzai however says education alone may not be adequate for one to succeed in life.

“Academics is very important, but [academics alone] is not enough to thrive in this ever-changing world. Take the time to invest in exposure to new things and soft-skills development, join organizations such as Rotary and Toastmasters. Through all this investment in yourself, you will learn invaluable lessons that will be integral to your success in life,” Kudzai says.

Looking back to his time while growing up, Kudzai reflects on his burning desire to succeed. That desire is still a major driving force.

“It really has not been a straight path at all. All I knew growing up is that I wanted to end up leading businesses and organizations, driving the agenda of strategic growth and development.

“Doing commercials and sciences in high school and then doing a commercial-science program at university really has led me on a path of merging commerce with the reality of the 4th Industrial Revolution, in one form or another.

“Conversations with key people in my life, the exposure I have been fortunate to get, getting to know myself more and more and understanding where the world is going continue to play a role in shaping my future.”

Kudzai acknowledges the huge role played by his parents in shaping him as he was growing up to become the successful person he is today.

“My parents have played a massive role and continue to do so. My mentors, through their diverse experiences, networks and advice have also guided me in my career choices. I could go on and on, however I can safely say it has been many an event and many individuals who brought me to this place and time.

“The key, really, is to surround yourself with people who build you critically and have your best interests at heart. Also [it was] key to ensure good relations with professional consultants at a reputable recruitment company, as my last two corporate roles were facilitated by them.”

Kudzai Murongazvombo chose to go against the grain and the dominating schools of thought that position immigrating from one’s country to another as the only solution to the myriad of challenges faced by young Zimbabweans and many other people living in African countries.

As his journey of growth continues, he is also focusing a lot of energy into helping entrepreneurs to reach their potential and establish sustainable businesses. While he has achieved quite a lot before reaching the age of 40, you are likely to read more about him. His story has not ended. It has just begun.

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