Online Reporter
Zimpapers Business Hub
ZIMTRADE has launched the 2025 edition of the Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge, with a specific focus on amplifying the role of young people in driving Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with PUM, a Netherlands-based organisation that will provide expert guidance to participants.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing nearly 70 percent of the population and contributing approximately 17 percent to the country’s GDP. As a vital sector, it not only feeds the nation but also drives economic growth and fuels exports.
Given its importance, it is essential to harness the energy and innovation of young people to further strengthen this critical segment of the economy. Globally, agriculture employs around 30,5 percent of young people, while in Zimbabwe, the figure stands at 37 percent — highlighting the sector’s significant potential to absorb and empower youth.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge initiative is centred on youth empowerment and inclusive development, aligning perfectly with the Government of Zimbabwe’s national priorities.
The Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge 2025 is not a one-off campaign but a comprehensive export incubator designed for long-term impact. Around 50 youth-led agribusinesses will participate in this intensive, hands-on training, covering key areas such as export packaging and branding, financial literacy, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection.
These young entrepreneurs will benefit from expert guidance provided by both local and international specialists, gaining practical experience in building competitive businesses and accessing real export opportunities.
The programme’s focus extends beyond theoretical knowledge, aiming to deliver tangible business outcomes.
Entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges, with the journey being showcased for the first time today.
To inspire a wider audience of aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, the entire process will be documented in a 13-episode televised series, bringing the challenges and successes to life.
Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, at the launch event, Permanent Secretary Albert Chimbindi stated that the programme seeks to nurture a new wave of agri-preneurs who are not only farmers but also exporters, driving the country’s agricultural sector forward.
“Despite its potential, we know that youth participation in agriculture remains limited, largely due to structural challenges, limited access to land, finance, and markets, and negative perceptions about farming as a viable career.
The Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge seeks to flip that narrative on its head. It will cultivate a new generation of agri-preneurs — young Zimbabweans who are not just farmers, but innovators, value creators, exporters, and nation-builders. Our youth are the future stewards of Zimbabwe’s agricultural legacy,” said Minister Murwira.
In her remarks at the launch event, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, Dr Margret Verwijk, said the initiative closely aligns with the Netherlands’ priorities of promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing trade.
“We are particularly enthusiastic about this initiative because it aligns closely with two key priorities for the Netherlands: promoting sustainable agriculture and boosting trade. The Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge brings these priorities to life and, we hope, will result in more trade between the Netherlands and Zimbabwe in the future,” said Ambassador Verwijk.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Mr Allan Majuru said the Eagles’ Nest programme was born out of genuine engagement with young, driven entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe who possess innovative ideas, unrelenting passion, and a strong desire to tap into export opportunities.
“While the competition launches today, we know the real value lies in what comes after: businesses that scale and brands that reach global shelves. This is how we grow Zimbabwe’s exporter base and transform agriculture into a viable, youth-driven force in our economy. We had no option, and together with you and our partners, we had to step into the arena by launching an agriculture and youth-oriented export capacity-building programme — The Eagles’ Nest Youth Export Incubator Agri-Challenge. This initiative is designed to harness the potential of our youth and convert it into current and future prosperity,” said Mr Majuru.
He noted that the African Development Bank has observed that the next generation of African billionaires will emerge from agribusiness, with Africa’s youthful population being a key competitive advantage.
This year’s Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge judges include Mr Clarence Mwale, Chief Executive Officer of Kuminda; Ms Karen Jiri, Commercial Director at Cicada; Mr Roelof Nugteren of Luxaflor Roses; and Ms Krystal Chindori-Chininga.
The ZimTrade Eagles’ Nest programme is a youth export incubation initiative designed to nurture youth-led Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into export-ready companies. The programme’s primary objectives are multifaceted, focusing on empowering youth-led businesses by equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to create sustainable export enterprises — thereby ensuring future trade success for Zimbabwe.
Another key objective is to enhance export market readiness, enabling youth-owned SMEs to meet international market requirements.
This boosts their competitiveness and global market presence, allowing them to thrive in the export arena.
The programme also provides mentorship and support to selected businesses, offering guidance from industry experts, access to funding, and market linkages that facilitate global business expansion.
