IN a remarkable tale of resilience and innovation, Tawanda Selby Mudarikwa, a Zimbabwean digital entrepreneur, has transformed a small back office operation in his uncle’s tyre shop into a thriving global brand.
The 40-year old’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing international teams in South Africa, the Philippines and India is a testament to his vision, determination and business acumen.
Humble beginnings
Mudarikwa’s entrepreneurial journey started in an unlikely place — a tyre shop owned by his uncle in Harare.
While the business primarily focused on vehicle maintenance, Mudarikwa leveraged Facebook to build his own digital vehicle maintenance business in Zimbabwe.
After successfully proving the concept could work, he reached out to his friends in the United Kingdom (UK) to explore expansion opportunities.
What began as a side project quickly gained traction, attracting clients who sought efficient outsourcing solutions.
Recognising the potential of remote work and the increasing global demand for cost-effective business process outsourcing (BPO) services, Mudarikwa expanded his operations beyond Zimbabwe.
- Zim needs committed leaders to escape political, economic quicksands
- Chicken Inn knockout Harare City
- Ziyambi’s Gukurahundi remarks revealing
- Ngezi stunned by 10-man Herentals in Chibuku Cup
Keep Reading
His goal was simple: To create a streamlined, technology-driven outsourcing model that could cater to businesses worldwide.
Global presence
With a strong foundation in Zimbabwe, Mudarikwa set his sights on expanding internationally by first establishing a successful call centre in South Africa together with his business partner, Victor Masemola.
This operation became a key player in the outsourcing industry.
Now, he is focusing on expanding into the Philippines and India, two of the world’s leading BPO hubs.
These new teams will specialise in customer service, back-office support, lead generation and digital marketing — services that have become essential for businesses looking to optimise their operations.
Beyond the call centre sector, he has also co-founded a successful waste removal business in the UK with his best friend from high school, Ali Constant, showcasing his versatility as an entrepreneur.
By leveraging talent in these regions, his company has been able to provide high-quality, cost-effective solutions to clients across different industries, including construction, mobile trades, real estate, e-commerce, and financial services.
His approach combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless communication and efficiency for clients around the world.
A vision for Africa’s digital transformation
While Mudarikwa’s company has expanded globally, his commitment to Africa remains unwavering.
He believes that Africa, and particularly Zimbabwe, has immense potential in the digital economy.
By investing in digital skills training, he aims to empower young entrepreneurs and professionals to take advantage of global opportunities in BPO and remote work.
“Africa is home to some of the most talented and hardworking individuals,” he said.
“With the right infrastructure and training, we can position ourselves as a leading hub for digital services.”
Currently, he is employing 35 youths with more expected to join the wagon as he expands his business.
Challenges and triumphs
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Mudarikwa’s path has not been without challenges.
From navigating economic uncertainties in Zimbabwe to breaking into competitive international markets, he has faced numerous obstacles.
However, his ability to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of industry trends has been key to his success.
Through strategic partnerships, investment in technology and a focus on customer satisfaction, he has built a brand that not only serves businesses worldwide, but also inspires a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
The future
Looking ahead, Mudarikwa plans to expand into new markets, strengthen his presence in the UK and the United States and continue developing innovative solutions for businesses seeking efficient outsourcing services.
His story is a powerful example of how a strong work ethic, vision, and adaptability can turn a small idea into a thriving global enterprise.
As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital transformation, entrepreneurs like Mudarikwa are paving the way for a new era of African business leaders, proving that success knows no boundaries when combined with passion and perseverance.
