Business Reporter
LOCATED in the heart of Harare’s Central Business District, the Sharpe Business Academy (SBA) is making waves as a dynamic force for fostering entrepreneurial talent.
The global institution of entrepreneurship is driven by the vision to cultivate practical business skills. It aims to help ambitious students harness their potential and transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Zimbabwe is experiencing a youth dividend, with the nation’s population growing significantly over the past three decades—from 7.5 million in 1982 to an estimated 16.5 million today. If leveraged effectively, this demographic shift presents a substantial opportunity to drive economic growth.
The concept of the Demographic Dividend (DD) refers to the economic growth potential that arises when the working-age population outnumbers the non-working-age population. Zimbabwe’s current demographic trends create a ripe environment for entrepreneurship to become a cornerstone of national economic development.
Despite a high level of educational attainment, studies indicate that many university graduates in Zimbabwe struggle to transition into entrepreneurship. Barriers such as limited access to resources, business education, finance, and markets prevent many from seizing the abundant investment opportunities available.
Dr. Rutendo Mudzamiri, CEO of SBA, shared that the Academy’s mission is to address these gaps in Zimbabwe’s educational and entrepreneurial landscape.
“The Academy, which began operations in May 2024, has made significant strides in just over 18 months. We have already graduated over 200 students across two cohorts. Towards the end of last year, we strategically pivoted to ensure we could return stronger and more impactful, as you can see today,” she said.
Underlining the Academy’s commitment to nurturing new business leaders, Dr. Mudzamiri revealed that the Sharpe family has invested over US$52 000 in seed funding for six recent graduates, enabling them to kick start their businesses.
“This investment reflects our dedication to giving back to the community by not only providing mentorship and resources but also offering tangible financial support to emerging entrepreneurs,” she explained. “Our focus is on creating sustainable, long-term impacts, rather than short-term profits.”
The SBA’s alumni network spans over eight countries, with students participating in both in-person master classes and online learning. Many of the Academy’s graduates are also actively contributing to its future success by offering to sponsor the next generation of business leaders.
To date, SBA has received 2,400 sign-ups for its flagship 12-month entrepreneurial program, which is accredited by the Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO). The institution is fully registered with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, ensuring it meets national educational standards.
Dr. Mudzamiri highlighted SBA’s unique approach to entrepreneurial training: “Unlike traditional educational institutions, we require students to submit business plans as part of their application process.
“From there, we work with them closely to refine their plans, track their progress, and help them enhance their business acumen through targeted coursework. In addition, we are excited to launch new executive programs later this year to further support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journeys.”
With its hands-on approach and commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurial ventures, SBA is poised to become a leading institution in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, equipping the next generation of business leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
