adminWith that in mind, Cuthbert Imbayago is proving to be one of the most successful breed of teen entrepreneurs who at the age of 19 employs at least eight people.
Last year when he was about to write his A-Level examinations, many people were against his idea of entering the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust competition that was open to people between 18-35.
Imbayago would juggle between writing his final exams, studying and making presentations for the YETT competition.
He, however, got 15 points in his sciences subjects — Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
The icing on the cake was the US$5 000 grant to start his own business that he won for coming up with the best business proposal in the YETT competition.
Since the beginning of the year, the youngster has been busy making money and from the looks of things he is not looking back.
He is the proud managing director of a company called Green Gold Energy Corporation based in Harare’s Willowvale area.
It is indeed no child’s play.
“My company deals with the construction of biogas digesters. We manufacture and fabricate biogas-fired appliances and all alternative energy solution” he said.
It is obvious that his scientific background inspired his choice of business, but there is more to the teen boss than what meets the eye.
He is mostly driven by his passion to make the world a green paradise.
His innovation is not only profitable but is part of a revolution that can make life a lot easier for people all over the globe.
Through his firm, Imbayago is aiming to help save energy and preserve the environment through creating alternative energy supplies that recycle and promote the use of solar energy.
“For now my goal lies in sustaining a successful business even though many people have other plans for me.
“Year after year, graduates are churned out from universities but with nothing to do since very few people are creating employment. My interests lie in business but at some point in my life, I will definitely want to further my studies” he said.
The teen also expressed concern over the educational curriculum in the country that is not doing much to educate pupils on entrepreneurship.
He, however, cautioned the young generation to be more focused on constructive things in life and not to waste time impersonating celebrities.
“Young people ought to be open-minded in life and aim for greater heights. Opportunities are available and only those who have their eyes on the ground grab them.
“All the empowerment campaigns become useless if they are not implemented”, he said
The businessman, however, admitted that the current business environment is still harsh for the youngsters like him who have been bold enough to step on board.
He pointed out that older players are still sceptical about him and do not trust his capabilities. Because of that, he has had to work extra hard to prove himself.
“When people look at someone like me, they see a kid instead of a business person; as a result, it is hard to convince organisations and individuals to send business my way. One should, however, not give up because hard work yields positive results”, he said.
Imbayago acknowledged young entrepreneurs like Wicknell Chivhayo who is a millionaire in Zimbabwe at the age of 32.
He said Chivhayo worked hard from a young age yet some persecute him and accuse him of using unscrupulous ways to build his empire.
There is no limit to where young people can go in this world if they put their minds to it.
Day in and out, the teen director engages the corporate world in an effort to seal deals.
It is only a matter of time before Green Gold Energy Corporation becomes a multi- million dollar company.
Online Reporter