Njabulo Xaba

Zimbabweans returning from Diaspora many have had successful stories in Zimbabwe. Some turning around family businesses or establishing new enterprises that boasts new ways of doing business and efficiencies. Don’t be discouraged by few stories of those who failed to succeed in Zimbabwe after their return. Mistakes to Avoid: - Don’t start buying Stand and Building a house after returning to Zimbabwe without a reliable source of income. Rent a place, establish your self first, start generating income or receiving foreign monthly pension payments before starting to spend on large capital projects like building a house. (Best is to build your home whilst in diaspora). - Don’t start a Business which you are not an expert in. Start a business or enterprise that can benefit from your diaspora experience and career exposure. For example: if your career was in Shipping and logistics, then your Business interests should be around Transportation, Warehousing, Wholesale and Import/Export business opportunities. - Don’t live beyond your means after returning to Zimbabwe. Be frugal until you have established yourself and you have adopted to your surroundings. - Avoid the lure of Harare, look to other better run cities and towns like Bulawayo, Mutare, Kwekwe, Gweru, Nyanga, Vumba, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Banket, Rusape, etc. For example Binga Town is on Zambezi River which is part of Lake Kariba. Your home can generate income offering BNB opportunities to tourists. At the same time you will enjoy fishing 🎣 and water recreation like boating 🛶 and jet surfing. - Avoid negative people, and people who offer zero positive developments in discussions. Surround yourself with successful Zimbabweans who have either never left Zimbabwe or those who have returned from diaspora for networking and for sound advice. -Avoid anti Chinese sentiments. Network with Chinese business community and embassy for Win/Win opportunities. There are Zimbabweans who are receiving goods from China without paying upfront due to good established relations between Zimbabwean businessmen and Chinese businessmen (Chinese believe in you scratch my back I scratch your back). Foreigners are a treasure trove of information. Ask them questions like what they like about Zimbabwe and what opportunities they think Zimbabwe offers. You will learn a lot and your eyes will be opened to new opportunities!!!! -Don’t shy away from Rural Estate 🏡 living. Many people only think of retirement in Harare or Bulawayo. But rural living offers quiet, comfortable and peaceful living. Fresh air big living spaces and being able to have a garden 🪴 or orchard for fruits 🍎 is plus. Low cost of living etc. With Solar technologies one can live with all the comforts of urban living. I wish everyone success on your Zimbabwe’s Year of Return !!!