As a 19-year-old student, Monica Chenjerai clearly remembers how her father’s challenges while running a manufacturing company became a springboard upon which she started her own entrepreneurship venture.
“I called home to ask my parents to pay for something that cost US$10 000 and they said they were not able to. That is when I knew something was wrong. My father later explained that due to constant power cuts, his manufacturing company was struggling,” Monica explains.
“Determined to find a solution, I dug deeper and realized this was not just a personal problem it was a crisis affecting the entire manufacturing sector and other enterprises across Zimbabwe.
“That is how Enerty and Elfigeo Mining and Energy Conglomerate was conceived. Headquartered in Zimbabwe, our company was created to address the country’s industrial energy crisis and unlock untapped economic potential.”
Innovative Solutions
Enerty and Elfigeo Corporation was established to address the challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s urban populations in the areas of sustainable energy, water management and sanitation.
Monica explains how these challenges stemmed from an underdeveloped energy sector and inadequate municipal waste infrastructure, despite a growing demand for clean water and electricity.
“To tackle this, Enerty and Elfigeo Corporation proposed the establishment of a 2MW biogas power plant at a sewage treatment facility as the first step toward an ambitious 750MW energy target.
“Our pre-feasibility study concluded that Harare alone has the potential to generate over 750MW from biogas. This transformative project will convert municipal waste into renewable energy, recycle treated water for community and agricultural use, provide clean energy to 20 000 residents in its initial phase and scale up to serve 2.5 million people in the future.
“Our mission is to transform sewage waste and other biodegradable materials into clean, renewable energy while recycling treated water for community and agricultural use in partnership with the city.”
Family Inspiration
Monica says her motivation and drive to achieve breakthroughs in her life came from her parents, who did not go as far as others in their educational journeys but still managed to make a success out of their lives.
Monica reveals that both her mother and father did not have the opportunity to pursue A-levels or university degrees.
“In their time, education was a privilege that not everyone could access. But despite the odds, they made something out of the one talent that God gave them. They didn’t bury it or sit on it just because it was one and not five (a lesson I take from the Parable of the Talents in the Bible).
“Their resilience and ingenuity have shaped my mindset and drive. Currently, I am studying Radiation Therapy at Manhattan University with the long-term goal of becoming a Radiation Oncologist.
“My educational journey is not directly tied to what I am building with my current ventures, but I see knowledge as a tool that sharpens my ability to think critically, innovate, and lead,” explains Monica.
Unpredictable Environment
Zimbabwe’s economy can be something of a do-or-die environment that sees only entrepreneurs with grit, resilience, and adaptability being able to survive. Monica is aware of how the business landscape is constantly shifting, demanding quick thinking and strategic flexibility.
“One morning, we wake up using USD; the next, it is bond notes, and after that, it is ZiG. One day, you are free to export minerals; the next, new restrictions are in place. Sudden tax hikes, policy shifts, and economic instability are the norm.
“It sounds discouraging, but we must remember that Zimbabwe is a developing nation barely over 40 years old and this kind of volatility comes with the territory. The key to thriving in this environment isn’t just endurance it’s creativity and innovation. Businesses must be proactive, not reactive, and leaders must be willing to think ahead rather than waiting to respond to change.
“For me, the most critical strategy is creativity not just in problem-solving but in structuring businesses to be adaptable. If you’re not naturally creative, hire people who are.
“Creative minds find solutions where others see roadblocks, helping companies pivot quickly without forfeiting their goals or succumbing to challenges.
“At the core, success in Zimbabwe’s business landscape isn’t about waiting for stability it’s about thriving despite instability by constantly evolving, staying ahead of policies, and finding new ways to turn challenges into opportunities.”
Innovation and Uncertainty
The biogas power plant is unlike anything the world has seen before, which means it comes with its own unique set of challenges.
While biogas energy is not a new concept, implementing it at the scale that Monica and her team are envisioning means turning municipal waste into 750MW of renewable energy while recycling water for community and agricultural use is an unprecedented undertaking.
Says Monica: “With innovation comes uncertainty, and with uncertainty comes hesitation from investors and bureaucratic delays. Securing half a billion dollars for a project in Zimbabwe is no easy feat, largely due to the country’s economic reputation and perceived risk.
“Many international financiers are wary of investing in large scale infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe, regardless of their potential for success. While institutions like the World Bank have shown interest, they require us to meet several key benchmarks before committing funding.
“This means we must first demonstrate project feasibility, secure additional sponsors, and establish stronger regulatory frameworks all of which take time. Additionally, municipal partnerships and permits have been another hurdle.
“The project relies on collaboration with local governments to integrate into existing sewage treatment infrastructure, yet some municipalities have been slow to approve the necessary permits or commit to formal partnerships.”
Reflections and Lessons
The most significant lesson Monica has learned is to never give up and to always pursue the hard and difficult things in life. She has learned that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart.
“It is a journey filled with uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But amidst all the challenges, the worst thing you can do is give up. I have come to understand that persistence is more valuable than resources, and resilience is more important than talent.
“There have been times when things seemed impossible, when obstacles felt insurmountable, but I’ve learned that as long as you keep moving forward no matter how slow you’re still making progress.
“The ability to refocus, re-strategize, take breaks, and go back to the drawing board is essential, but quitting is never an option. This mindset has shaped my approach to business and leadership by reinforcing the importance of grit, adaptability, and long-term vision,” Monica concludes.
