Great Zambezi Initiative reaffirms its resolve for youth development
Takes part in Innovation Week launch
By Caleb Chikwawawa
Great Zambezi Initiative (GZI) has reaffirmed its desires to creating sustainable opportunities for Zimbabwean youths through skills and knowledge development targeted at young entrepreneurs and innovators.
The Great Zambezi Initiative is an ambitious project focused on developing the start-up ecosystems of Zambezi Basin countries, which spans across eight countries in Southern Africa for economic development, regional integration and environmental conservation.
Speaking at a recent Innovation Week Zimbabwe launch by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services in Harare, Stephen Muraga, GZI co-founder said his organisation stood for economic growth, development and opportunity creation.
“Zimbabwe, with its rich human capital and abundant natural resources, has immense potential to be a hub of innovation in Africa,” he said.
“Today, we are officially launching Innovation Week Zimbabwe which is a crucial platform for us to collectively explore, nurture, and celebrate the ingenuity that exists within our nation.
“It’s a time to connect, collaborate, and catalyse the transformative ideas that will shape our future.”
Muraga said GZI was driven by the belief that sustainable development and economic growth were inextricably linked.
The organisation’s efforts are aimed at fostering innovation in key sectors, which include agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and finance. the sectors are critical to the Zambezi River Basin countries of which Zimbabwe included.
Muraga said his organisation’s approach is rooted in partnerships, capacity building and sustainability.
In terms of partnerships, he said his organisation works closely with local communities, government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.
The organisation’s capacity building efforts has seen it invest in developing the skills and knowledge of young entrepreneurs and innovators through training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources.
Its investment portfolio entails supporting promising start-ups and innovative projects through mentorship, seed funding, and access to networks of investors.
In terms of sustainability, all initiatives are guided by the principles of environmental sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that innovation benefits both people and the planet, Muraga said.
He said GZI will soon be launching the Zambezi Angels Network (ZAN) during Innovation Week Zimbabwe.
ZAN is a platform that will facilitate connections between High Net Worth Individuals and Venture Capital Firms on one side and Innovative Start-ups in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
“A season of refreshing is coming for Zimbabwe’s budding Ecosystem.
Speaking at the same event, Director for Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services in Zimbabwe, Georgina Chingonzo reserved praise of GZI’s efforts adding that the ministry attaches a lot of importance for Zimbabwe’s economic growth and social development.
