Young entrepreneurs determined to make a difference in Zimbabwe

Gracious Ndlovu

BULAWAYO – A group of 22 young Zimbabwean entrepreneurs calling themselves ‘Trailblazers’  keep moving the needle. They are taking more risks than ever before and building phenomenal businesses that are tackling problems and creating  jobs in the process. 

The indefatigable group was selected and invited to affluent Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa  for a 6 Day African entrepreneurship grand boot camp called ‘Village Africa Boot Camp’ (VAB) This boot camp was graced by strategic business leaders. Ambassador Dr  Chanita Foster, a celebrated Detroit actress and entrepreneur, dedicated hours of her busy schedule to give the youths a fired up session.

Speaking to this publication, one of the youthful entrepreneurs, Grace Ndlovu, affectionately known as Grace Anne revelled in the opportunity to learn from the best in business. Ndlovu, a social entrepreneur who has been mentoring fellow youths in Bulawayo,  said the experience and exposure will spur on the young entrepreneurs to achieve greater things. 

“It was an amazing opportunity for the Zimbabwean group. Mingling and interfacing with established business people was a priceless experience, just the right tonic to steer our entrepreneurial minds in the right direction,” she said.

Ndlovu added that the team was privileged to get an in-depth understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which address major market penetration possibilities. The member states of the Africa Union (AU) are establishing the AfCFTA) to create a single continent-wide market for goods and services and to promote the movement of capital and natural persons.

“Having buttressed our understanding of the CfCFTA, we made a deliberate commitment to make use of this huge revelation,” she said.

Mr Lyton Zendera, a Human Resource expert from Beitbridge  who was part of the leadership that accompanied the young people to South Africa highlighted that such training is “very necessary so as to challenge entrepreneurs to become carriers of success  that can put Zimbabwe on the business map.”

Shane Lawrence, the reigning Miss Albinism for 2021 who is also part of the group emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships. 

“Strategic partnerships in Africa offer one of the best solutions to some of the challenges we face as nations. We must work together to build our continent,” said the bubbly queen.

When probed to reveal what is next for the team upon returning from the  boot camp, Miss Makaita Tekere, a beauty specialist, hinted at something huge that is in the pipeline  although she could not be drawn to spell out details on the project.

 “For now we wouldn’t want to share (details of the project) but believe you me ,we are heading on to a transformational project that will be noised all over Zimbabwe,” said an upbeat Tekere.

Another member of the team,  Ishmael Ncube concurred with Tekere and further affirmed  that all is in place for the big project and that the young entrepreneurs are ready to take the bull by the horns and take entrepreneurship among young people to the next level.