In the dusty industrial space of Adbernie, Harare, where the hum of sewing machines reverberates with purpose, a remarkable story of innovative thinking unfolds. Tafadzwa Sihlahla, founder of AfriEvolve, has seamlessly woven her leadership skills, academic background, and African cultural ethos into a thriving business that is redefining corporate wear and branding solutions in Zimbabwe.
AfriEvolve is a corporate services company involved in providing employee welfare solutions, including work suits, safety shoes, overalls, gumboots, and more. Their products and services are custom-made to ensure that workers are safely and smartly clothed, and workplaces are transformed into safe environments.
From Dreams to Determination
Born and raised in Harare but with roots in Shurugwi, Tafadzwa embodies the convergence of diverse influences. Her formative years were marked by leadership roles, including serving as a junior parliamentarian at Tongogara High School. With a BSc in Agricultural Economics and Development and an MBA from Midlands State University, Tafadzwa envisioned a career that would empower others and leave a lasting impact.
Her political aspirations led her to contest for the Ward 9 Councillorship in Harare’s 2018 elections—an experience she describes as formative, despite not securing the win. “I like to tell myself I came second,” she chuckles. That experience ignited a fire within her to create meaningful change, albeit through a different route.
Lessons from Providence
Tafadzwa’s pivotal moment came when she joined Providence Human Capital in 2019. Under the mentorship of Dr. Chipo Ndudzo, she was immersed in a research ecosystem focused on African enterprise renewal. The philosophy of integrating Ubuntu—the African value of humanity and interconnectedness—into business operations left an indelible mark.
“I was in and out of NGOs; you know how NGOs in Zimbabwe are with short-term contracts. So, while I was going about my life, I met a lady who is quite influential to my story—Dr. Chipo Ndudzo, the founder and MD of Providence Human Capital, an HR firm,” she says.
“Dr. Ndudzo’s PhD thesis was a revelation,” Tafadzwa recalls. “It challenged the conventional notion of human resources as mere assets and reimagined them as human capital, with stories, families, and intrinsic knowledge that enrich the workplace.”
This philosophy wasn’t just theoretical. Providence implemented innovative practices, like renaming departments in Shona to inspire purpose and foster cultural identity. HR became Chitubu cheUngwaru—the oasis of intelligence—and team meetings transformed into Rumuko Circles, fostering non-hierarchical discussions. Tafadzwa thrived in this environment, managing health, wellness, and procurement while deepening her commitment to people-centric leadership.
The Birth of AfriEvolve: Relationships as a Cornerstone
It was Dr. Ndudzo’s candid advice that planted the seed for AfriEvolve. Recognizing a gap in Zimbabwe’s corporate wear sector—where economic pressures often compromise employee safety and comfort—Tafadzwa launched her venture in May 2023.
“I wanted to build a business that values people as much as it delivers quality,” Tafadzwa explains. Her initial funding came through a combination of personal loans and support from the Inscor Africa Employee Share Trust, a testament to the power of relationships. Providence became her first client, and her network of connections helped AfriEvolve establish a solid footing in a challenging market.
She credits Providence Human Capital for providing a critical foothold. Leveraging Providence’s extensive corporate network of over 200 companies, she established a steady flow of orders without the need for advertising. As a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Harare, she also received meaningful business from fellow club members. However, she remains cautious about expanding too quickly, prioritizing operational capacity to maintain quality.
“Business for me is just a phone call away,” Tafadzwa remarked, underscoring the role of relationships.
Tafadzwa’s approach to business is deeply relational. “I’ve never advertised for clients,” she reveals. “Every order comes through referrals and relationships.” This strategy aligns with the African ethos of kinship, which she sees as a strength rather than nepotism. “Social capital is our wealth as Africans,” she asserts.
Her commitment to her team is equally compelling. Facing high turnover in the tailoring industry, she devised a retention strategy anchored in empathy and opportunity. By leveraging her network, Tafadzwa secured zero-deposit furniture and appliance deals for her employees at Country Appliances, enhancing their quality of life and fostering loyalty. Notably, one 65-year-old employee secured his first new fridge. “When employees feel valued, their productivity and loyalty soar,” she observes.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
AfriEvolve is not just a business; it’s a vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. Tafadzwa’s strategy focuses on steady expansion rather than rapid scaling. She is investing in machinery to reduce outsourcing costs and enhance profitability. Beyond corporate wear, AfriEvolve offers branding solutions, from vehicle wraps to billboards, positioning itself as a versatile partner for businesses.
But Tafadzwa’s ambitions go beyond profitability. Inspired by her time at Providence, she is exploring a co-ownership model for her employees. “I want them to be their own bosses,” she says. “Imagine earning a machine over time and sewing on commission. It’s about empowerment, not just employment.”
Redefining African Business
Tafadzwa’s journey is a powerful counter-narrative to the Western-centric models often imposed on African enterprises. By integrating Ubuntu principles, she is challenging the status quo and proving that businesses rooted in humanity and relationships can thrive even in volatile and uncertain markets.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Focus on relationships and value systems—innovate within the context of our culture and economy.”
As AfriEvolve closes its first year with a positive balance sheet, Tafadzwa’s story is a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape. Her journey illustrates the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community-driven leadership.
“I’m not here to make a killing,” she says. “I’m here for steady growth and a win-win situation with businesses and my team. That’s why when you come to my company, you will never find a price list. We negotiate because that’s what Africans do—we negotiate our prices.” With such a grounded yet ambitious approach, Tafadzwa Sihlahla is undoubtedly stitching a legacy of impact, one thread at a time.