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The tide sweeping across the country is in response to the prevailing economic challenges, which has opened up opportunities, particularly among the youth, to pursue their dreams in their chosen vocations. What stops you from being your own boss? How do I write a project proposal or a business plan? Where will I get the funding?
These are the questions that are uppermost in the minds of most young people who have a desire to enter into business. I had an occasion last week to attend a leadership and entrepreneurship training workshop hosted by the Zimbabwe Youth Council in association with the BOOST Fellowship in Nyanga.
The workshop drew participants from all provinces around the country and brought together an oasis of ideas backed by a resourceful team of facilitators.
What came out clearly during the deliberations at the workshop was the hunger among the youth to meaningfully participate in the mainstream economy. Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who addressed the participants, stressed that the youth – who constitute 63 percent of the population – should take centre stage of the empowerment drive.
The youth immediately swarmed the minister with questions on how they can make a breakthrough in the face of mounting barriers of entry and what assistance they can get from the authorities.
While encouraging the youth to look for opportunities where they can partner existing companies, Minister Kasukuwere said that not all of them could do that and instead encouraged them to venture into new operations that can strengthen and build the economy.
He implored them to have the mental strength and courage that “I can do it”.
“Once you’re convinced as an individual that you can do it at an individual level, the rest is history,” he said.
Participants were drawn from fisheries in Kariba, poultry breeders from Marondera, gold miners from the Midlands and others running nightclubs and bars in other parts of the country. The message was clear, they benefited immensely from the workshop and they were geared up to take their operations to the next level.
I received quiet a number of e-mails and phone calls in response to my article on how to gear up for the beckoning opportunities under the empowerment drive. As I was unable to respond individually to all of them, I have picked on a few and as this is an open forum I will share them with you and those with answers are free to advise.
Here are some of the emails:
I am a Zimbabwean who would really want to benefit from the indigenisation process. I am interested in mining especially gold. I wanted to know where I could get the list of potential mining companies that are open for indigenisation. Is there a website I can go to?
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I have always been passionate about the hospitality industry. Recently I was in Hurungwe and we went to see these falls near Sanyati River and they are spectacular. I heard the district council was selling the piece of land near the area. My question is where can I get money to buy this land and do I need a business proposal since I would want to build a lodge in that area.
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Here’s my situation. I am now 55 and a qualified fitter and turner and qualified 25years ago. I’ve been working in the mines to date. I’m currently working for a mining concern here in Zimbabwe after a stint in South Africa. I have the potential to run and replace some of these foreign companies working as contractors even here at my company. So tell me must I quickly register a company? As a worker is it going to be possible for me to get a contract on the company I am currently working for? Is it possible with the onset of indigenisation law? How can I tune myself to match the situation? How about a shelf company? Please guide and advise.
Very interesting scenarios indeed and this explains that people are raring to go and realise their full potential. I’m not so sure whether there is a list of companies that are open for indigenisation but I think the best way is to approach the Indigenisation and Empowerment Ministry for details.
With regards to the proposal to seeking funds for developing a lodge in Sanyati, I would say that a business plan is imperative as it gives an outline of what you intend to do. It gives direction on how you will allocate resources, focus on key points and prepare for problems and opportunities. It is like a map and a compass for a business and without it you are travelling blind.
As for my brother who is deciding whether to continue as a worker or be his own boss, well it is entirely up to you and you know your capabilities. There is no way that you will be able to enjoy the fruits of both worlds. If you feel you are strong enough to stand on your own, go on and register your company and start doing what you are good at and definitely your breakthrough will come. And the law is on your side.
My understanding of the indigenisation law is that each sector will be subjected to annual assessment ratings that will show to what extent it is opening up opportunities for procurement from locals. The allocations are not arbitrary and will be subject to various interest groups including the youth, women and other disadvantaged groups.
As always, let’s make money.
Online Reporter