Discover What It's Like to Work in Zimbabwe: Insights for Your Next Professional Interactions in Africa

This June, I took part in VSO's first Cross-Country Learning Exchange on-site in Zimbabwe. This exchange brought together VSO project leaders and partners from Nepal and Zimbabwe to exchange best practices in small holder farmer agroecology (a climate-resilient small holder farming approach that uses locally appropriate practices to enhance resilience, local economies, and shorten supply chains).

The Cross-Country Learning Exchange involved collaboration between VSO country teams from Nepal and Zimbabwe, along with local partners: the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Federation (ZimSOFF), TSURO Trust, Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre, and Nepal’s National Farmers Group Federation (NFGF). My role was to document the intercultural exchange and provide recap for partners, donors, and policymakers in government.

While working in Zimbabwe, I have learned quite a lot about how professional interactions take place here. Together, we traveled more than 800 kilometers across beautiful and varied landscapes. Working in Zimbabwe is a unique experience that blends tradition, camaraderie, and a touch of unpredictability. Some of it may be similar to how business interactions work in your country, some may not. But here's what you can expect:

1. Warm Welcomes and Soulful Bonding.

In Zimbabwe, introductions are crucial. Every meeting starts with everyone present going around the table to introduce themselves. This practice fosters a sense of connection from the start. Also, don’t be surprised if there's a collective song or prayer before or after the meeting — these moments add a special touch of unity and respect.

2. Punctuality: A Flexible Concept

Meetings in Zimbabwe may not start on time (lol). Road traffic can be a major and unpredictable obstacle, and connectivity issues (like Wi-Fi and bandwidth) may also affect start times. Embrace this flexibility and use the extra time to connect with colleagues informally. Building relationships for trust is important here and that extra chit-chat is well appreciated.

3. Respectful Team Spirit and Humor

Expect to hear terms like "brother" and "sister" as respectful forms of address among colleagues. Zimbabweans also appreciate witty, fast-paced humor, so be personable and smile often. It’s a great way to build rapport and keep the atmosphere positive and motivating for everyone.

4. Learn Some Phrases in the Local Language

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, with Shona being the most dominant in the regions I was working in. Learning a few words in Shona (or the language of the region you will visit) will make a significant impact. People will be positively shocked and overwhelmingly receptive, which is fantastic for building that trust I already mentioned and local buy-in. I have noticed that this approach is even more effective here than in many other parts of the world.

5. Navigating Logistics and Official Protocols

If you travel between provinces, you'll need to register with local authorities in each province. Depending on where you come from, this may seem unusual. But here, this ensures your meetings and physical whereabouts are accounted for. Additionally, it’s typical for each meeting you’re at to have an attendance book where all participants sign their names.

6. Embrace the Flow

Depending on where you’re from, things might not seem as fast-paced as you’re used to, but progress does happen. People here appreciate projects on a large scale with lots of partners and the involvement of many participants. Go with the flow and be patient. Zimbabwe's working rhythm has its own charm and effectiveness.