This World Entrepreneurs’ Day, I want to share how a simple idea born in a university cafeteria grew into a mission to empower Africa’s youth. My journey with Zaio is proof that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, young entrepreneurs can create opportunities where none existed before.
The spark of innovation
It all began in 2018 during my third year at the University of Cape Town, where I was studying BCom in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. A conversation with a friend struggling to find employment sparked Zaio’s inception. Despite his academic achievements in Computer Science, he was repeatedly told by hiring managers he needed practical experience to be considered for a job. The more we dug into this issue, the more we realised it was a widespread problem. Graduates across the board faced this daunting barrier to enter the job market. They had limited options available, either taking unpaid internships or exploring jobs outside of their field of study.
In this moment of frustration and determination, the idea for Zaio was born. We envisioned a platform that would bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting graduates with startups. Graduates would gain valuable, paid experience, while startups would benefit from affordable talent eager to prove themselves. The concept was simple, but the impact had the potential to be profound.
Early validation and growth
Within just two days of launching our platform, we had over 100 sign-ups. The overwhelming response affirmed our belief that there was indeed a genuine need for this type of solution. As more companies approached us to run coding training programs on their behalf, we realised that the demand for practical, hands-on education was greater than we thought at first. This led us to pivot from our original model and fully embrace the EdTech space. Zaio developed into the online learning platform that it is today, focused on equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
One of our most significant successes was when we helped a parking attendant at UCT’s lower campus transition into a paid coding project. This experience was a powerful reminder that with the right education and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. It was not just about changing one person’s life; it was about sending a message that education is the key to unlocking potential and creating opportunities.
Our growth did not go unnoticed. After this success story, we attracted our first investor, which allowed us to scale quickly. We hired a team, expanded our offerings, and saw the tangible impact of our work. However, entrepreneurship is never a smooth ride, and we also faced our share of challenges. A few examples include internal conflicts, financial constraints, and the constant need to adapt our business model. There were moments when we could not draw salaries and we had to make tough decisions to ensure the survival of the company. But despite every setback, we remained committed to our vision and pressed on.
A vision for Africa’s digital future
Today, Zaio’s success stands as a testament to what one can achieve with perseverance and a clear purpose. Our goal is to become Africa’s leading online learning platform, accessible to all. This year, we are expanding our reach beyond South Africa and adding new courses in high-demand fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Our upcoming data science course, for example, takes someone with no background in data science and equips them with the skills needed to become employable in this rapidly growing field.
Looking back, I am grateful for the lessons and support we have received. My advice to young entrepreneurs is this: seek guidance from those who have been there before, embrace tough conversations and do not rush. Patience and strong relationships are key. Most importantly, maintain your passion as it fuels innovation and leads to success.
This World Entrepreneurs’ Day, I invite you to embrace the spirit of innovation and possibility. The journey of Zaio shows that with determination and a clear vision, young entrepreneurs can create solutions that address pressing societal needs. We have the power to shape our future and create opportunities where none existed before.
At Zaio, we are not just building a company; we are nurturing a generation of skilled, confident, and empowered individuals ready to drive Africa’s digital revolution. Our story is still unfolding, and I am excited about the chapters yet to be written. To all the young dreamers out there: your ideas have power. Your persistence can change lives. Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and dare to make a difference. The future is yours to create.
- Mvelo Hlophe, CEO at Zaio
