How To Find Remote Work Clients in Zimbabwe

Some time last year, I shared a blog post in one of the WhatsApp groups I’m part of, detailing my experience working remotely. Shortly after, someone messaged me privately, claiming I didn’t understand what I was talking about. According to them, it was impossible to get a remote job while living in Zimbabwe. Are you also curious about how to find remote work clients whilst in Zimbabwe? Then this blog post is for you, but first let me tell you how this conversation unfolded…

Curious, I asked why they believed this. Their response? Most companies require you to have a visa to work for them, and some just don’t want to hire Zimbabweans or people from Africa in general. I countered these assumptions, explaining that this wasn’t true and suggesting that they probably needed to change strategy of the kind of roles and opportunities they were looking for. Then they hit me with, “Anyway, you wouldn’t understand. Hanti you’re based in the US.”

Ladies and gentlemen, I am not based in the US. I live in Harare, Zimbabwe.

I understand how the confusion arose, though. At the time, I was using a US number for WhatsApp, so it’s easy to see why someone might jump to that conclusion. For clarity’s sake, here’s how I got that number and what I also explained to him: I purchased an eSIM via an app called Numero. This app allows you to pay an annual fee for a phone number from any country of your choice, mostly the US and European countries.

The number works for receiving calls and SMS within the app and can also be linked to services like WhatsApp. As long as you have a debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), you can buy one too. The world is becoming increasingly connected, opening doors for those who might otherwise be excluded because they cannot receive an international call, for example.

But that’s not the main story here.

Today, I want to address the myths about working remotely while living in Zimbabwe and the mistake I see a lot of aspiring remote workers make as they are looking for clients. Many people believe it’s nearly impossible to land a remote job, that there’s no way for clients to pay you given the complexities of our financial systems, or that employers simply won’t hire someone based in Zimbabwe. I could go on.

Here’s the truth: There are clients around the world who are ready and willing to hire you remotely, even if you’re in Zimbabwe or its neighboring countries. There are also clients who are based in Zimbabwe who are ready and willing to hire you regardless of where you live.

The key is demonstrating your value and articulating how you can help their business.

But (and this is a big but) you need a certain mindset to succeed. You’ll need to take ownership of your work, promote yourself, and clearly communicate your value. Be comfortable talking about what you do, the problems you solve, and the results you deliver. If you struggle with articulating your value, I strongly advise you to consider working with a coach. If you’re like me, you probably weren’t born with this skill. I had to learn while working with personal branding and business coaches, and you can learn too.

Now, when I look back on my journey over the past decade, I’m struck by how many of my clients have been in or from Zimbabwe. Like many aspiring remote workers, I initially thought I needed to look outside Zimbabwe to find paying clients. So, I set up profiles on Fiverr and Upwork, hoping to land gigs.

Unfortunately, I didn’t succeed there. Instead, I encountered more scam enquiries than genuine opportunities. To this day, I’ve never landed a client through those platforms. They’re highly competitive, and the current “pay-to-play” dynamics (i.e. if you pay for visibility it boosts your chances of having your profile seen) make them even less appealing to me. My profiles still exist and are up to date, but I don’t put much energy into them.

What I’ve learned is this: dismissing Zimbabwe as a viable market for remote work could mean missing out on significant opportunities especially as you are getting started. Many freelancers and aspiring remote workers focus solely on earning in USD because of how volatile our local currencies are. USD is seen as a store of value. But in Zimbabwe, USD is part of our day-to-day trade, so finding clients who are willing to pay you directly via bank transfers, EcoCash, other mobile money services or even in cash could actually be an easier way to get started in the world of remote work.

Remote work doesn’t mean masses of land or water have to separate you and your clients. It just means you are where you are, and your client is where they are. You could even be in the same neighborhood!

Anyway, here are some of my tips if you are looking to find remote work clients in Zimbabwe.

How To Find Remote Work Clients In Zimbabwe

Start Talking to People

Network online and offline. Attend local events, and connect with business owners who might need help. Many businesses are looking for ways to leverage digital tools or improve their operations but can’t afford full-time hires. Offer solutions tailored to their needs. Flexible hires are usually welcome by a lot of business owners today.

Build Relationships

Ask for referrals. Don’t be shy about this. Many opportunities come from word of mouth. I used to feel embarrassed when clients mentioned me at networking events, but those glowing reviews were often the key to my next opportunity. Embrace them and use them as opportunities to shine.

Understand Local Needs

Many Zimbabwean businesses need assistance in areas like digital marketing, tech solutions, customer support, and operational efficiency. Position yourself as someone who can deliver value in any of these areas.

Ready to Work Remotely in 2025?

Are you based in Zimbabwe and dreaming of starting your remote work journey this year? Are you struggling to land your first client, frustrated with online platforms that haven’t worked out, and wondering if remote work is even possible? I’m ready to talk to you about how to find remote work clients in Zimbabwe.