Martinagema Moyo turns home into a growing business
Martinagema Moyo is a semi-finalist in the Business Impact Award category at The List Awards 2026, recognised for building an enterprise that combines business growth with employment creation, local sourcing and community development.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in Old Highfield, Harare, where lessons from her mother taught her to recognise opportunities in everyday situations.
As a widow, Moyo identified a need in her community and started a tuckshop from the second lounge in her home. What began as a means of survival gradually developed into Chirandu Holdings, a multi-sector enterprise focused on creating jobs, supporting local farmers and keeping income within the community.
Moyo told The List Awards by Identities Media TV that her mother played an important role in shaping her approach to business.
“I learned entrepreneurship early, although we did not call it that at the time. Those early lessons shaped my resilience. As a widow, I saw a need in my community and began turning my passion into a livelihood by starting a tuckshop from my second lounge. What began as survival became purpose.” she said
Through Chirandu Holdings, the original tuckshop has grown beyond groceries into a business that brings together a grocery, butchery, bottle store, catering and décor services, as well as a safe family events space.
The business also works with local farmers and adds value to agricultural products such as mopani and dried fruits. Moyo said this approach was driven by her desire to create employment, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure that money continues circulating within the community.
Her work has also extended beyond her business. Moyo serves as the Provincial Chairperson for Women in Business under the Ministry of Women Affairs, where she mentors women and advocates for better access to markets, skills, financing and other opportunities.
For Moyo, the growth of Chirandu Holdings is also about the people connected to the business, including employees and farmers who supply its products.
She hopes her journey will encourage other women to recognise opportunities around them and start with what they have.
“More than a trophy, recognition would provide a platform to amplify the voice of women entrepreneurs seeking greater access to markets, skills and financing across Zimbabwe,” she added
Moyo’s journey reflects how a simple idea, driven by necessity and determination, can grow into an enterprise that creates opportunities for others while contributing to the development of the wider community.