Youth Entrepreneur of the Week

SIMBARASHE Nyamadzawo (pictured) is an author, professional speaker and the brains behind Gumiguru, a startup consulting firm offering advisory and business solution services to entrepreneurs.

Nyamadzawo’s resilience is the perfect epitome of how to draw lessons from one’s failures and struggles.

He grew up in Domboshava, where he had to bathe in the river during his early childhood learning years, before walking several kilometres to attend Pote Primary School.

The inspirational leader was raised single-handedly by his mother, who played the role of both mother and father since the death of her husband.

Nyamadzawo grew up as a shy introvert, who struggled with stammering until he joined

Toastmasters and learned the art of public speaking.

When he failed his A-Level studies, his dream of going to university withered away. Along the path of discovering his true self, he became bedridden for four months as a result of a lethal strain of tuberculosis.

However, Nyamadzawo managed to rise above life’s challenges and today, he is an award-winning author and respected speaker with assignments in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. His English novella “Tatenda” has been approved for use in schools by the Government of Zimbabwe. Outside business, Nyamadzawo is a member of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum.

The Global Shapers Community is network of hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, achievements and drive to make a contribution to their communities. Nyamadzawo enjoys playing chess.