Exploring the Motivations, Challenges and Support Needs of Rural Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe

Rural entrepreneurship has gained increasing attention as a crucial driver of sustainable development in Zimbabwe, with the potential to create jobs, foster inclusive economic growth, and improve livelihoods in marginalized communities. However, rural entrepreneurs in the country face unique challenges that often inhibit their ability to thrive and scale their ventures. This study aims to explore the experiences and support needs of rural entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, to inform the design of more effective, context-specific interventions. Through in-depth interviews with 30 rural entrepreneurs across various sectors in three rural development councils, the research delves into the key barriers they encounter, including limited access to finance, skills gaps, underdeveloped infrastructure, and fragmented entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings reveal that rural entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe require a multidimensional support system that addresses their complex, interrelated needs. Tailored access to credit, business development services, and entrepreneurial training emerge as crucial components of this support structure. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of investing in rural infrastructure, fostering entrepreneurial networks and clusters, and leveraging the expertise of development organizations, private sector partners, and academic institutions. By adopting a holistic, collaborative approach to supporting rural entrepreneurs, Zimbabwe can harness the transformative potential of rural entrepreneurship to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in marginalized communities. The insights from this study provide a valuable roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to develop impactful, context-relevant interventions that unlock the full potential of rural entrepreneurship in the country.