By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
In a country where youth unemployment has left many young Zimbabweans feeling hopeless — and too often turning to drugs and alcohol — one man’s story offers a much-needed spark of inspiration.
At 40, Zacharia Kakore is not just a successful entrepreneur; he’s living proof that hardship doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
His journey from poverty in the rural village of Mujinga in Hurungwe to founding a thriving bakery business is a story of grit, growth, and an unshakable belief in the power of second chances.
Growing up, life was anything but easy for Kakore. “I am a goal-driven man with a lofty vision,” he says — a mantra that seems to have guided him through each chapter of his life.
From humble beginnings, he carved a path marked by persistence, shifting through different jobs in search of stability.
He taught at Musamba High School in Kariba, tried his hand at fishing, and even dabbled in electrical engineering — all stepping stones toward something greater.
But it was a job at Pick n Pay’s bakery department that changed everything.
“It was there that I understood the intricacies of the business,” Kakore recalls. The experience lit a spark — one that would later grow into a full-fledged business.
Alongside his partner Edwin Munetsi, he founded Baker’s Queen, a bakery that began modestly but has since grown into a flourishing business employing over ten people and supplying baked goods to local companies.
For Kakore, it’s not just about making a living. It’s about making a difference.
“I want to inspire others to see opportunities where they might only see obstacles,” he says. He hopes his story will encourage young Zimbabweans, especially graduates struggling to find jobs, to look toward entrepreneurship — not as a last resort, but as a powerful first step.
“The job market may be shrinking, but the world is full of ideas waiting to be turned into businesses,” he adds, his voice tinged with both urgency and hope.
Kakore’s story is more than a personal victory — it’s a reminder that even in the toughest of environments, dreams can still take root and bloom.
As he continues to expand Baker’s Queen, his commitment to uplifting others remains unwavering.
In a country craving role model who lead by example, Zacharia Kakore is quietly building more than just bread — he’s building belief.
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