Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
AT just nine-years-old, Praise Kasimu is already showing that age is no barrier when it comes to dreaming big.
The Chancellor Junior School Grade Three learner has returned from Kampala, Uganda, with a continental achievement under her belt after finishing fourth in the Africa Kidpreneur Summit 2026, where she represented Manicaland and Zimbabwe.
For the young entrepreneur, the trip was not simply a journey across borders. It was an opportunity to stand before fellow young innovators from across Africa, speak about her business and show that Zimbabwean children can compete confidently on the continental stage.
The Africa Kidpreneur Summit, held from August 13 to 15 at the Nakawa Innovation Centre in Kampala, brought together young entrepreneurs, child CEOs, educators and change-makers from across Africa.
The 2026 edition was hosted by Kids Preneur UG, with Zimbabwe participating as an official partner and participating country. Young entrepreneurs aged between seven and 15 showcased their businesses, pitched their ideas before a panel of investors and took part in activities designed to equip them with practical skills for the future.
The summit featured masterclasses in financial literacy, technology, the green economy and climate action, fashion, agriculture, gaming and animation.
There were also exhibitions and showcases where the young entrepreneurs had an opportunity to market and sell their products, ranging from baked goods and crafts to technology-based innovations.
Kasimu who is also the chief executive officer of Naishe Rabitry, an ambitious rabbit-keeping and breeding venture is the current Miss Elite Global little princess.
Her confidence, eloquence and ability to present herself before an international audience made her stand out among the young participants.
In the final results, Nigeria occupied the first and second positions, Kenya came third, while Zimbabwe finished fourth.
For Zimbabwe’s young delegation, the result was a moment of pride, but for Praise’s family, it was also a powerful indication of the potential she carries at such a young age.
Her mother, Juliet Tatenda Mandoga, said she was elated seeing her daughter shine beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“I was very happy and proud to hear that Praise had done so well and represented Zimbabwe across the borders. She is a God-fearing, hardworking and focused child, and I believe this achievement will inspire her to do even greater things while also inspiring other children her age.
‘‘Praise is passionate about rabbit breeding and dreams of helping people from marginalised communities in Makoni through her projects. She is also interested in modelling, and her biggest dream is to become a doctor one day.
‘‘She is intelligent, compassionate and dedicated to everything she puts her mind to. At such a tender age, she is already showing signs of leadership and a heart for helping others, which makes us very proud as a family.
‘‘She came back with a certificate and various goodies, but for us, the greatest gift is seeing her confidence grow.
‘‘Early next year, she is expected to travel to Nigeria for a Kids Entrepreneurship programme as an ambassador representing Zimbabwe. I know she will be ready for that opportunity because she has already shown us that she can stand among young people from across Africa and make her country proud. She is truly a jewel to our family, and we are excited to watch her journey unfold,” she said.
Kasimu’s entrepreneurial journey is particularly remarkable because her business is rooted in agriculture and animal husbandry, an area that has the potential to create opportunities for young people in Zimbabwe.
Through Naishe Rabitry, she has developed an interest in rabbit breeding while also dreaming of using the venture to assist people in marginalised communities in Makoni, where her mother works as a teacher.
Her participation in Kampala gave her an opportunity to take that dream beyond the local level and place it in front of a continental audience.
The summit itself was built around the idea of helping children become more than just learners. It sought to nurture a generation of young people who can identify problems in their communities, develop solutions and turn their ideas into sustainable ventures.
The programme focused on four key pillars, including confidence, creativity and financial literacy, while encouraging children to become active solution-creators.
For young participants, this meant learning how to pitch ideas, market products, manage money and think about how their businesses could grow.
Zimbabwean young entrepreneurs and educators actively participated in the summit’s various activities, including continental masterclasses, climate-action initiatives, panel discussions and the flagship Kidpreneur Pitch Competition.
Zimbabwe’s involvement was also part of a wider effort to bring the “changemaker DNA” back home and encourage children to become innovators and entrepreneurs within their own communities.
Other countries represented at the summit included the host nation Uganda, Botswana, Zambia, Cameroon, Kenya, Congo, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria.
She also has another major assignment on the horizon.
Early next year, she is expected to travel to Nigeria for a Kids Entrepreneurship programme, where she will serve as an ambassador representing Zimbabwe.
That opportunity will give the nine-year-old another international platform to share her story, learn from other young entrepreneurs and continue developing the confidence that took her to fourth place in Kampala.
