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Fildah Gwati
MANICALAND-BASED youth-led agribusiness, Zeengaz is basking in glory after emerging winner of the Season 3 Eagles’ Nest programme for the most promising potential in the field of agricultural exports.
ZimTrade, the country’s trade development and promotion organisation, recently announced that Zeengaz had done well in its banana chips line of trade.
Launched by ZimTrade in 2020, the Eagles Nest programme aims to empower youth-owned organisations in trade by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. The programme has gained significant traction as a series featured on ZimTrade’s YouTube page and has supported over 300 youth companies since its inception.
Zeengaz’s victory highlights their innovative approach to the production of banana chips, positioning them as a promising player in the agricultural sector. Their success was celebrated alongside seven other youth-led organisations that have demonstrated immense potential in the field of exports.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said: “Zeengaz banana chips company will have the opportunity to continue working with ZimTrade in various promotional and developmental activities such as capacity training, trade fairs and trade missions.”
He added that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) needed to devise innovative solutions that address challenges within the continent, leverage trade opportunities such as the African, Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Each year, exceptional SMEs are chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants by the programme’s judges, fondly known as “The Eagles.” This gives us hope for the future of the programme as it fosters youth participation in trade and establishes sustainable practices, ensuring a prosperous economic future for our country,” said Mr Majuru.
This year, the competition was fierce, but the youth businesses rose to the challenge, observed the ZimTrade boss.
The Eagles Nest programme’s final event not only marked the end of Season 3, but also signalled the beginning of Season 4. Young entrepreneurs intending to participate in the competition are expected to apply for consideration.
Mr Majuru reaffirmed ZimTrade’s commitment to empowering youth-owned businesses for export success and ensure a prosperous economic future for Zimbabwe.
The previous winners of the competition, Maintain Organics (2021) and Moreda Wear (2022) have successfully expanded into regional markets since participating in the programme. This success story highlights the programme’s effectiveness in facilitating the growth and expansion of youth-led businesses, added Mr Majuru.
Meanwhile, Ecobank, which partnered the youths since the inception of the programme, has since announced its commitment to continue availing financial support for youth owned enterprises. The bank will provide the winners with cash prizes.
Online Reporter