From Childhood Hustles to Business Empire: Africa University Students Learn Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity

By Evans Jona

MUTARE – The bright minds of Africa University’s Master’s program in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity were recently treated to a rare, eye-opening session with one of Manicaland’s most dynamic business leaders, Mr. Kudzai Makore, founder and owner of the Richway Elite Guesthouse franchise and chairman of the Manicaland Chamber of SMEs.

The encounter offered students a firsthand glimpse into the journey of a multi-sector entrepreneur who turned early lessons in resilience and creativity into a thriving business empire spanning real estate, tourism, hospitality, and retail.

Makore shared how his childhood experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. “I grew up in Harare, helping my father at Rixi Taxis. During school holidays, I cleaned cars, tended gardens, and even sold chickens. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work and creative ways to make money,” he said.

He highlighted mentorship as critical to his development. “My former boss, Terry Andrews, taught me resilience, focus, and planning. He helped me understand how to serve different clients and adapt my strategies creatively. That guidance has shaped every venture I’ve undertaken,” Makore added.

The entrepreneur, who holds an MBA and is pursuing a PhD, emphasized the importance of combining academic knowledge with practical experience. “Universities and chambers of SMEs should collaborate. Students should be exposed to real business environments to understand marketing, finances, and operational challenges. That’s where true entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation are nurtured,” he said.

Makore’s entry into real estate illustrated the power of passive income. “There are two types of income: income you work for and income that works for you. Real estate allows your money to grow even when you are resting. I started with one property and gradually expanded to five operational houses, with a sixth in development for students and visitors,” he explained.

Financial discipline, he stressed, is essential. “For every dollar you earn, set aside a portion for future investment. Don’t spend everything today. Reinvesting patiently allows businesses to scale sustainably,” Makore advised.

Makore also addressed hurdles facing Zimbabwean SMEs, including limited access to loans, bureaucratic licensing, and expensive rental spaces. “These challenges exist, but creativity, planning, and mentorship help entrepreneurs navigate them successfully,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of balancing business with family life. “My wife manages operations in my absence, and we ensure quality time with our children. It’s about planning and prioritizing,” Makore explained.

The students were encouraged to apply innovation and creativity in small ventures while studying. “If you have a small amount, like $2,000, don’t spend it on temporary pleasures. Invest it, buy and resell goods, or partner with a trusted entrepreneur to generate returns. Even small ventures build skills for bigger businesses later,” Makore said.

He also emphasized humility and social responsibility as key traits for successful entrepreneurs. “Money is a tool to impact lives, support family, and grow the community. It is not to make you proud but to empower you to do good,” he said.

Makore recounted lessons from mistakes made along his entrepreneurial journey. “I’ve lost money in stationery businesses and had disputes with clients. But failure is part of learning. You adjust, learn, and grow. If I were to start over, I’d seek mentorship more aggressively, but I wouldn’t give up,” he said.

The students left motivated, armed with practical strategies for success in entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. One remarked, “Hearing Mr. Makore’s story shows that patience, strategy, and creativity are as important as knowledge in building a successful business.”

Makore concluded by emphasizing the importance of mentoring the next generation. “When we guide young people, we are cultivating the next generation of innovative leaders and creative business thinkers. They are the future of our economy,” he said