Demystifying the Entrepreneurial Landscape in Zimbabwe SME Sector

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has become a ubiquitous phenomenon in Zimbabwe following a post 2000 economic recession leading to apparent confusion regarding the ideal character of entrepreneurship in the capital, Harare. This study aimed to demystify the concept of entrepreneurship in Harare through interrogating 15 heterogeneous entrepreneurs in Harare 
through interviews and field observations. The study was aimed at examining the behavioural profiles of entrepreneurs; identify the motivating factors for entrepreneurship; and establish the ideal profiles that would enhance the opportunities of entrepreneurs in Harare. The results indicated that current entrepreneurs in Harare defy conventional wisdom regarding entrepreneurship given that they are unregistered, of no fixed above, inconsistent, predatory and copycats of preexisting businesses. Most entrepreneurs were motivated by economic necessity to enter the fray; ideal entrepreneurship would require the ventures to be registered, to be innovative and embrace an entrepreneurial culture that is currently missing. In this vein, the government was urged to enhance the ease of doing business relative to venture registration and financing and future researchers urged to expand the scope of their inquiry towards other cities other than Harare.