KUNDAYI Mbiriri was all tears of joy as his name was called out as the inaugural winner of the Sharpe Business Academy (SBA) at a glittering ceremony held recently at a Harare hotel.
Mbiriri, the founder of Hukama technologies, received a whooping US$10 000 from founder of the academy, businessman Ken Sharpe, after he was adjudged the best student by his peers and attendees during the graduation ceremony.
The top 15 students were asked to make their business pitches with the rest voting for the top three business strategies that demonstrated innovation, sustainability and excellence. Peterson Mugodo of Peniel Pharmacies scooped the second prize of US$5 000 while Rutendo Muchero of CB Muchero walked away with US$3 000 in third position.
The students were drawn from across Zimbabwe — with those that did not win the monetary prizes confirming that the vast knowledge they gained was priceless and would propel their businesses to dizzy heights. Writing on X, one of the graduands Isaac Gundani said: “I appreciate the opportunity to have studied at Sharpe Business Academy.
“Thanks to the generosity and mentorship of Mr and Mrs Sharpe. Their commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence has been invaluable.” Speaking during the event, Sharpe said he wanted the academy to grow big. “This is a non-profit organisation.
All the funds generated by the SBA are ploughed back into the organisation for its growth. “I want the ultimate winner to take home US$1 million.
“This means we are going to progressively increase the prize money with each graduation until we reach the US$1 million target,” he said. Sharpe, an alumni of the Havard Business School, used case studies taught by the graduate school with his students, giving them a feel of the elite and prestigious syllabus.
He also used practical examples learned from his doing business over the past 33 years. The SBA is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and business acumen among Zimbabweans aiming to empower individuals to contribute to national economic development.
