Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS have been challenged to embrace entrepreneurship, invest in rural development and build generational wealth by transforming the country’s abundant natural resources into productive enterprises rather than relying solely on formal employment.
The call was made at the Executive Business Masterclass 2026 hosted by Legacy Builders Global Hub at the ICMF Boardroom in Harare on Thursday under the theme, “Rural Development and Wealth Creation.”
The seminar brought together pastors, entrepreneurs, professionals, farmers and aspiring business owners from across the country, including delegates from Manicaland, Hatcliffe, Norton, Domboshava, Mhangura, Goromonzi, Nyanga, Marondera, Marange, Karoi and Bindura, to discuss practical strategies for wealth creation, financial literacy and sustainable rural enterprise.
The event was hosted by Bishop Dr Master Coach Aderino Nyabanga, founder of Legacy Builders Global Hub, God’s Generals International Fraternity, Daybreak International Ministries and Daybreak Bible Institute, organisations that have become increasingly recognised for promoting entrepreneurship, leadership development and financial empowerment within the Christian community.
Guest speaker Bishop Monica Tambala Matiki, general overseer of the International Assemblies of God from Malawi, said the region must move beyond dependence on scarce formal jobs and embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic transformation.
“We are living in difficult economic times where jobs are becoming increasingly scarce, but that should not stop us from prospering,” she said.
“We can create our own employment and also employ others. We want Zimbabweans to benefit from these trainings because they provide practical knowledge that can change lives. “We desire to see people go out and build successful businesses, become millionaires and even billionaires of their generation while creating employment opportunities for others.”
She said the conference was part of a broader vision to equip entrepreneurs across the region with practical business skills.
“We will continue holding these seminars because we believe knowledge empowers people to shine. Entrepreneurship has the potential to transform families, churches and nations.”
Delivering the keynote presentation, Bishop Nyabanga urged Zimbabweans to shift their thinking from becoming job seekers to becoming wealth creators through ownership, productivity and investment.
“Zimbabwe has everything required to build prosperous communities. God has blessed this nation with fertile land, abundant sunshine, rivers, forests, minerals and hardworking people. The challenge is not the absence of opportunities but our mindset towards wealth creation,” he said.
He said wealth should be built on four key principles, owning productive assets, producing value, solving problems and developing multiple streams of income.
“A salary may feed you today, but productive assets can feed generations. Don’t just own land, develop it,” he said.
“Don’t simply earn money, multiply it. Build businesses that outlive you and leave systems that continue creating wealth for your children and grandchildren.”
Bishop Nyabanga encouraged participants to invest in agriculture, livestock production, horticulture, aquaculture, beekeeping, value addition, property development and renewable energy projects, saying rural areas held enormous untapped economic potential.
He also challenged families to operate as economic units by holding regular family meetings to discuss investments, savings, education, succession planning and entrepreneurship.
“Our rural homes should not merely be places where we retire. They should become centers of production, innovation and commerce,” he said.
“Every family must intentionally prepare the next generation to become entrepreneurs rather than dependents.”
The business and financial literacy coach also encouraged workers to begin retirement planning early by investing in income-generating assets, including farms, rental properties, livestock and small businesses while still formally employed.
Pastor Prosper Chipoyi of the Free Methodist Church said the seminar had challenged church leaders to embrace entrepreneurship alongside ministry.
“Many ministers have concentrated on preaching while neglecting economic empowerment. Today’s discussions reminded us that we can build sustainable businesses that support ministry and create employment within our communities,” he said
Reverend Tawanda Munaki of the Pan African College in Hatcliffe, which trains pastors, said the conference demonstrated that financial literacy was becoming an essential component of leadership development.
“Equipping pastors and community leaders with business knowledge strengthens families and communities. Financial empowerment enables churches to become agents of transformation beyond the pulpit.”
An entrepreneur from Marondera, Mrs Chipo Muchengeti, said the masterclass had opened her eyes to opportunities available in rural areas.
“I had always viewed my rural home as simply a place to visit during holidays. I now see it as an investment that can generate income through horticulture, poultry and fruit production.”
Another participant from Nyanga, Mr Tawanda Mataruse, said the emphasis on multiple income streams was timely.
“The economy requires people to diversify. Depending on one salary is risky. I am leaving here motivated to develop my family’s land into a productive enterprise.”
Bongani Ndlovu