Age: 24
Location: Hopley, Harare
Title: Entrepreneur and Retail Owner

When Cyclone Idai devastated Chimanimani in 2019, Perseverance Mutoo lost everything, her home, her crops, and her sense of stability. She and her family walked for days until they reached Hopley, where they hoped for a fresh start. Life in the makeshift settlement was harsh, and Perseverance struggled to make ends meet. Her first attempt at selling groceries was fraught with challenges, as she lacked basic business knowledge and often found herself in debt.

Through the Safe and Inclusive Cities Project, Perseverance found a lifeline. The training sessions at the Storage Innovation App Hub taught her how to manage finances, understand customer needs, and use digital tools to optimize her business. With loans from the revolving fund, she purchased a freezer and expanded her product range. Today, Perseverance runs two thriving shops on Boka Road, employs her sister, and mentors young women in her community.

Her success has transformed not only her life but also the lives of those around her. “My wheelbarrow was my university, and now I am lifting my whole community,” she says. “Youth Ensemble gave me the tools and the belief to stand tall. Now, I am helping others do the same.”