Chanazi Drums Washaya, Founder, Sweet Quip Food Equipment - Zimbabwe

Feb 17, 2026

Please tell us your name, where your business is located and what is it that you do?

My name is Chanazi Drums Washaya, and I live in Harare, Zimbabwe. I wear many hats— entrepreneur, mentor, trainer, and community builder. I run Sweet Quip Food Equipment, where we supply durable commercial food equipment to bakeries, butcheries, supermarkets, and restaurants. I also lead the Women EntrepreneursLounge, a platform that gives women entrepreneurs tools, mentorship, and confidence to grow their businesses.

Tell us about how you got started.

My journey started when I was only eight years old, selling tomatoes at the market. I didn’t know it then, but those long days under the sun were building my first skills in selling, negotiation, and resilience. Later, when I noticed how many food businesses struggled with unreliable equipment, I decided to create a solution. Sweet Quip was born not just to sell machines, but to give entrepreneurs what I never had as a child—achance to grow with dignity, with the right tools, and with hope for tomorrow.

What makes your company unique?

Sweet Quip is not just a business; it is a bridge of opportunity. We provide equipment, yes, but we also provide training, mentorship, and access to finance. Through theWomen Entrepreneurs Lounge, I bring women together to learn, share, and rise —because I know firsthand that when you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and even generations to come. 

No business is without setbacks; can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it? 

Life tested me deeply when I lost my mother — a remarkable woman who raised seven children against all odds. She sold vegetables, worked tirelessly, and prayed for us even when society mocked her poverty. Losing her felt like losing my anchor. But her legacy of resilience became my guiding light. Whenever I faced business struggles —whether it was rejection, lack of resources, or skepticism — I would remind myself: if my mother could overcome so much with so little, I too could rise.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

For me, success is not measured in profit margins alone. It is the story of a bakery owner who can now bake consistently because of reliable equipment. It is the mother who turns her small food business into a livelihood that sends her children to school. It is the young woman who dares to start a business because she sees someone like her leading the way. My success is built on faith, resilience, and a belief that business should always leave people better than it found them.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

In five years, I see Sweet Quip expanding across Africa — into Mozambique, Zambia, and Botswana. We will not only be selling, but manufacturing equipment locally, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports. For the Women Entrepreneurs Lounge, my dream is to see it grow into a pan-African movement, a safe and powerful space where women connect, learn, and access resources that change their futures.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

Africa is a continent of resilience. We innovate out of necessity, and that is our strength. My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is this: don’t despise small beginnings, and never allow your circumstances to define your destiny. Build networks, seek knowledge, and keep your vision alive even when resources are scarce. The world is watching Africa—and we must show it our best.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

For me, balance is sacred. I protect my time for prayer and family, because leadership without grounding is fragile. I don’t chase perfect balance, but I make sure I rest, reflect, and reconnect. That way, I can lead not just with strategy, but with heart.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

My mantra is simple: “Selling is a mindset. It is the key to financial freedom.” It keeps me focused on possibility, reminding me that every conversation, every idea, and every connection can open a door.

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

I cannot live without WhatsApp. It is how I speak to my customers, train my community, close deals, and keep our operations flowing. In Africa, technology doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to connect people, and that’s exactly what it does for us.