Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
PROVIDING financial support to start-ups and small businesses aligns with the Government’s thrust to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance as key pillars for achieving a diversified and sustainable economy.
This was said by Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa, at the signing ceremony of a partnership between Kumba Care and the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (NVCCZ).
Kumba Care is a telemedicine service set to revolutionise healthcare delivery in rural communities by offering remote access to doctors, early screening tools and affordable consultations via mobile technology.
The platform addresses challenges in pre-diagnosis and facilitates faster medical intervention for people in hard-to-reach areas.
The deputy minister said the investment in Kumba Care reflects President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, by empowering Zimbabweans to lead the nation’s development through innovation and enterprise.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe for their tireless efforts in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in our country,” he said.
“Their commitment to nurturing start-ups and small businesses is crucial for our economic growth and development,” he said.
He said such initiatives do not only create jobs, but also foster a culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance in the country.
“The Kumba Care investment aligns with our government’s vision of achieving a diversified and sustainable economy,” he added.
“As the President often highlights, we must leverage our strengths and opportunities to drive economic growth and development.
“This investment is a step in the right direction, and I am confident it will contribute significantly to our nation’s progress.”
NVCCZ chief executive Mr Tino Kambasha said the organisation was established to fill the critical funding and mentorship gap that often prevents innovative ideas from becoming viable commercial enterprises.
“NVCCZ was established as a strategic vehicle to bridge the funding gap between innovation and commercialisation of great innovation within our nation,” he said.
“NVCCZ’s vision for start-ups and entrepreneurs is to build a robust venture capital ecosystem, providing suitable financing and platforms to materialise transformative innovation, create sustainable impact and fostering economic growth for Zimbabwe.
“We aim to deepen a culture of innovation which translates to vibrant and commercial businesses entities.
“To achieve that NVCCZ offers access to venture capital financing, which is a missing link between such innovation and transition to commercial businesses.
“The NVCCZ aims to position Zimbabwe in this landscape and demonstrate the country’s enormous potential to be centre of innovation for the SADC region.
“Our objective is to bridge the funding and mentoring gap between good ideas, innovation and incubation, into strong scalable and profitable businesses that can expand across the continent.”
