Interested in the Zimbabwean startup space?

Interested in the Zimbabwean startup space? Here are founders and organizations we encourage you to start following:

Zim Developers, Founded by Audrey Chanakira, George Chakama

The community has an active X account and you can expect to learn about interesting projects and platforms Zim developers are working on. You can also expect to hear about some of the challenges they face and how they are overcoming them. The community runs events with the last one being in September 2023 titled Sibanye Zim Dev Conference.

Girls in Tech, Founded by Josephine Chinake

Also active on X, the community works to empower girls in STEM and regularly has tech related programming. Some of the opportunities offered including trainings, and workshops such as an Introduction to Cyber Security Bootcamp recently held in March 2024. Girls in Tech Zimbabwe also connects aspiring female tech students and professionals and experienced mentors.

Tongayi Choto, Afriblocks

The Afriblocks cofounder and CEO regularly shares about his journey as his builds while also sharing insights on the industries he through a LinkedIn newsletter. Choto has been active in the Web 3 and Blockchain space as his startup, AfriBlocks, is a co-host of the Black Blockchain Summit, that takes place in Washington D.C USA, at Howard University. AfriBlocks also hosts the annual Freelancers Summit which has seen speakers from companies such as Google and LinkedIn participate.

Chido Dzinotyiwei, Vambo AI / Akayi

Cofounder of Akayi Zimbabwe, Dzinotyiwei shares about her journey as an entrepreneur through a LinkedIn newsletter and Youtube channel. She is also founder of Vambo AI a South African start up and is able to give insight in both ecosystems as Akayi operates in Zim assisting entrepreneurs in the country, while and Vambo AI in South Africa. Dzinotyiwei was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Web Summit PITCH competition, she was also in the top 6 EO Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) 2022.

Dotzedw, Founded by Valentine Mahumba

Interested in data? Dotzedw regularly shares SADC market insights. The organisation focuses on data-driven reporting and stories and you can expect regular updates and articles to with the SADC region. While they share on most industries, insights lean more or the financial industry and fintechs built in the region.

This list only gives a few people and organizations that share content and tend to be open to engaging in conversations about the startup space in Zimbabwe. The communities mentioned will also lead you to more people within the industries, as the founders themselves go beyond their work to create spaces for likeminded individuals.

What questions do you have about the Zimbabwean start up space?