Media and communications consultant Kim Sibanda has raised concern over what he describes as a “critical communication gap” among young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, saying the major barrier to funding is not lack of money, but inability to clearly present business ideas.
Sibanda made the remarks following his attendance at the recently concluded Job Summit, where young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs met to present their business ideas and interact with industry leaders.
According to Sibanda, the turning point came when Hon. Dr. Phillip Chiyangwa posed a simple question to participants: “How much do you need?” Many confidently responded, stating they had promising ideas and business plans.
However, when participants were later given three minutes to explain what they do, who they serve, how their solution works, and their expected financial outcomes, Sibanda noted that nearly one in four struggled to communicate effectively.
“They could not clearly express themselves in English, Shona, Ndebele, Tonga, or any language,” Sibanda said. “The ideas were not the problem — the problem was identity, clarity, and communication.”
He said the experience left him deeply concerned about the state of youth entrepreneurship in the country, adding that insufficient communication skills are causing many viable ideas to miss funding opportunities.
“Zimbabwean youth do not lack ideas,” he said. “They lack the ability to communicate those ideas well enough for funding to find them. When you don’t know yourself, you can’t communicate your value. And when you can’t communicate your value, opportunities pass you by.”
In response, Sibanda announced the launch of Identity and Elevator Pitch Coaching services aimed at helping young people and aspiring entrepreneurs improve how they present their ideas with confidence and clarity.
He called on youths who feel overlooked due to poor communication to seek coaching and develop the skills necessary to attract funding and partnerships.
“You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to be funded,” Sibanda said.
