Tinashe Mutarisi, founder of Nash Paints and NASH Holdings, grew a single branch into a business empire spanning Zimbabwe and beyond, with impact in media and philanthropy.
Tinashe Mutarisi’s Business Career is a remarkable story of vision, resilience, and growth. He founded Nash Paints in Chitungwiza with only three employees and a single branch. Today, the company has expanded into a market leader with over 36 branches and more than 500 employees across Zimbabwe. Building on this success, Mutarisi established NASH Holdings, a diversified conglomerate that includes Nash Paints, Nash Furnitures, Nash Boards, and the popular media and entertainment brand NashTV Zimbabwe.
His business interests also extend regionally into Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana. Mutarisi holds an MBA from Marjon University (UK), and his influence goes beyond business. He is celebrated for his philanthropy, supporting disadvantaged communities and empowering local artists through NashTV.
His leadership and impact have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Zimbabwe’s most influential entrepreneurs under 40 by Ngoda Business in 2017.
The Origin Story: Forged in Hardship
Tinashe Mutarisi's story is one of sheer determination. Having lost both parents at a young age, he was left to fend for his siblings in a large polygamous family of 27 children. His path was not one of privilege; he moulded bricks to sell just to complete his education. This early struggle instilled in him a powerful drive and a deep-seated desire to create opportunities he never had. His journey from a retail shop clerk to a budding entrepreneur in Botswana laid the groundwork for the empire to come.
The Growth Strategy: From Paint to Platforms
In 2006, from a single rented shop in Chitungwiza, Nash Paints was born. But Mutarisi's vision extended far beyond paint. He strategically diversified into a holding company that now encompasses furniture, logistics, and technology across Southern Africa. A core pillar of his strategy has been a deep investment in Zimbabwean culture. The launch of NashTV, an online television platform, was a masterstroke. It was not just a marketing channel; it was a move to plug a gap in the national media landscape, providing a platform for local artists and cementing the Nash brand as a patron of the arts. This was further amplified by strategic endorsements with cultural titans like Jah Prayzah.
"Success is never about your background, but how you exert yourself against all odds. I believe I am just getting started."
The Nash Blueprint: Pillars of a People's SuperBrand
Authentic Underdog Narrative
The "moulding bricks to building an empire" story is a powerful and inspiring narrative that makes the brand relatable and aspirational, resonating deeply with the Zimbabwean spirit of resilience.
Cultural Integration as a Strategy
By launching NashTV and aligning with major artists, Mutarisi didn't just advertise his products; he embedded his brand into the nation's cultural fabric, earning goodwill and top-of-mind awareness.
Humble Leadership as a Differentiator
In a world of flamboyant tycoons, Mutarisi's public persona is one of humility, faith, and family focus. This builds a deep layer of trust and makes his success feel accessible and inspiring, not alienating.
Purpose-Driven Enterprise
From his philanthropic work to his mission to uplift local talent, the brand is driven by a clear "why" beyond profit. This purpose-driven approach creates a powerful emotional connection with the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tinashe Mutarisi is the founder and Chairman of Nash Holdings, a diversified group that includes the flagship company Nash Paints, as well as Eastlea Paints, Nash Furnitures, Nashrin Cargo Carriers, and the popular digital media platform, NashTV, among others.
Tinashe Mutarisi is a dedicated family man and has six children with his wife. He is proud of his family and has publicly stated, "I do not have a child out of wedlock!"
He has received numerous accolades for his business leadership, including Businessman of the Year (2017), Top Business Leader of the Year in the Paint and Construction industry (2016), and the Zimbabwe Institute of Management's Young Leader of the Year (2017).
NashTV is part of the Nash Holdings group and was founded by Tinashe Mutarisi. He created the platform to provide a stage for Zimbabwean artists and talent, integrating his business success with cultural development.
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