Carole Nyakudya: My vision is to make positive impact in sub-Saharan Africa – Chronicle

109 Comments / Uncategorized / By abayuuti

The Chronicle
Business Correspondent
UNITED Kingdom-based Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur and founder of Lorac Healthcare, Carole Nyakudya, has been nominated “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Zim Achievers Awards (ZAA) in recognition of her unique business breakthrough in the provision of mental health care services.
To be honored by ZAA, an international brand committed to recognise and celebrate phenomenal Zimbabweans who make strides around the world, is a milestone for Nyakudya.
The brand honors individuals and organisations across various categories including business, entrepreneurship, sport, arts and culture, youth, leadership and community work, among others.
A specialist in mental health care, Nyakudya (43) runs a successful business enterprise under the Lorac HealthCare brand, which was established in 2013 to render mental health and learning disability services, mainly targeting minors and the youth.
Since then, the business has spread its wings outside the UK borders to become a thriving young international venture with footprint in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda and recently in Zimbabwe.
Despite the challenges associated with setting up business in a foreign land, the humble but outspoken young entrepreneur believes she has a mission to enhance job creation for fellow Africans, and that the latest accolade will embolden her more in that thrust.
“Running a business is quite challenging and we work extremely hard every day to push the envelope. It’s no secret that our vision borders on a desire to create as many jobs as we can,” says Nyakudya.
“That demands a lot of work. That’s why being nominated for this award is so special. We consider it recognition for all our efforts as an organization.”
Recently, the UK government awarded Nyakudya a license to recruit more personnel for their business from outside of its borders. This has afforded prospective job seekers from Zimbabwe and other regional states the opportunity to get jobs in the UK, working under Lorac Healthcare.
It is not enough to enjoy success alone, says the youthful entrepreneur, but what is more prudent is to inspire others along and that is at the heart of her vision.
“Our vision is to be able to make a positive impact in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of meeting the need for job creation and the needs of the UK in terms of job supply and demand,” she said.
“Over the next two to five years, we’re looking to diversify our portfolio as well as expand our footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa. It would give us joy to create as many jobs as we can.”
Founded in 2010 by businessman Conrad Mwanza, the flagship ZAA UK Edition took place in London and set the tone for an expansion that has seen ZAA being present in six countries.
The awards were created with a vision to celebrate high achievement within diaspora communities and to create a platform for exponential community growth and engagement with the home front.
To date ZAA hosts annual award galas in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Botswana, with the brand’s work and impact reaching beyond celebrations but empowering others and creating synergies across the globe.
Inspired by a broader vision to contribute to the development of her continent of origin – Africa, and the business headquarters, the UK, Nyakudya has steered the Lorac brand to transform into a group of five companies, each servicing specific needs of target communities.
Beginning with the Lorac Healthcare business, sister units include Lorac Holdings, which was set up in 2017 and is into property business in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lorac Foundation, which is into charity work. There is also Lorac Media and recently Lorac International, a recruitment agency meant to meet staffing needs of the business.

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