In 2025, the hustle to build real wealth in Zimbabwe is more urgent—and more creative—than ever. As inflation ebbs and flows, and the formal job market remains tight, young Zimbabweans are looking beyond traditional savings accounts and into modern investment frontiers: cryptocurrency, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), and real estate. But does the hype match the reality? Here’s a deep dive into the wins, losses, and lessons from those who’ve tried.
Crypto: Fast Gains, Harsh Lessons
The Win:
Meet Tawanda, 26, a tech-savvy Harare freelancer who started dabbling in Bitcoin back in 2022. “I bought $150 worth with EcoCash, and by mid-2024, it had grown to $600,” he says. Tawanda cashed out at the right time, using his profits to buy a laptop and kickstart a freelance design business.
The Loss:
But not everyone’s story ends with a smile. Chipo, a university student, poured her tuition money into a new coin hyped on Telegram. “It crashed within weeks. I lost almost everything.”
Lesson: Crypto can be lucrative, but it’s volatile. If you’re not ready for wild swings or scams, experts say start small, do your homework, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Shares: Trusting the (Local) Market
The Win:
After attending a youth investment seminar, Brian, 29, opened a ZSE Direct account in 2023. “I started with Delta and Econet shares. The dividends weren’t massive, but I saw steady growth—and I learned the market.” By reinvesting profits, Brian now has a diversified portfolio, and he’s teaching friends to do the same.
The Loss:
On the flip side, Nyasha, a 24-year-old graduate, put her savings into a little-known mining stock after seeing hype on social media. “The company was suspended on ZSE. I couldn’t sell, and I still haven’t got my money back.”
Lesson: Blue-chip stocks tend to be safer, and it pays to research company fundamentals—not just follow the hype.
Real Estate: Bricks, Mortar, and WhatsApp Groups
The Win:
For many, property remains the ultimate dream. Tariro, 32, joined a “maRound” (rotational savings club) with friends, pooling resources to buy a plot outside Ruwa in 2024. “We’re building slowly, room by room, but it’s real—no landlord, and my money’s safe from inflation.”
The Loss:
However, the risks are real. Simba, 27, paid a “middleman” for a supposed bargain plot in Chitungwiza—only to discover the land was already claimed. “I lost my deposit, and the process dragged for months.”
Lesson: Always verify land ownership with local authorities, avoid unregistered agents, and prioritize transparency in group investments.
Tips for Getting Started
- Start Small: Test the waters with a manageable amount—whether in crypto, shares, or group savings.
- Educate Yourself: Free resources abound—YouTube, ZSE webinars, even WhatsApp investment groups (with a healthy dose of skepticism).
- Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Combine digital assets, shares, and tangible investments if you can.
- Network: Share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others. Zimbabwe’s young investor community is vibrant and supportive.
- Beware of Scams: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is—especially with “guaranteed returns” in crypto or land deals.
Final Word
Can you build wealth in Zimbabwe with crypto, shares, or real estate? Absolutely—but it’s a journey, not a jackpot. The real secret isn’t just picking the right investment, but learning, adapting, and hustling smart. As Tawanda puts it, “In Zim, you have to make a plan. But if you start now, your future self will thank you.”
