VCC4 2024 launched: Fueling innovation and entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe
THE Eight2Five Innovation Hub in partnership with Old Mutual, the British Council, and the British Embassy, have launched the Value Creation Challenge 2024 (VCC4) – an innovative incubation programme designed to foster entrepreneurship and drive innovation in Zimbabwe.
The VCC4 continues to bolster the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering promising innovations support to grow through mentorship, training, and resources.
Additionally, the programme facilitates valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with industry captains, investors, and potential partners.
The programme’s key advantage is its focus on providing market access, allowing entrepreneurs to gain business exposure and visibility through events like the 2024 ZITF, where startups from the VCC3 were featured.
The VCC4 provides entrepreneurs not only market access, but also valuable feedback and validation from professionals to refine their business models and competitiveness.
Participants also gain access to financial services by Old Mutual Zimbabwe Ltd, enabling the growth and development of their ventures.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group chief executive officer Mr Samuel Matsekete, said the programme seeks to empower entrepreneurs to drive innovation and economic growth.
“Eight2Five is strategically aligned with the Zimbabwean national agenda, focusing primarily on fostering economic empowerment, creating employment opportunities, and catalyzing innovation,” he said.
“We directly contribute to these national goals by nurturing startups and stimulating innovation. Our initiatives support the government’s vision of transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into significant contributors to the national economy,” said Mr Matsekete.
He said the programme amplifies entrepreneurial talent across the nation.
“The success of the VCC in the previous year, received over 1,200 applications and saw 533 outstanding proposals completed. Notable startups like Farmbuzz, an agri-tech company using drone technology for farming, and Taxpal, a regulatory tech innovation simplifying tax filing for SMEs using AI, stood out for their potential to address local and regional challenges as well as their broader market impact.”
Capitalizing on the resounding success of previous editions, the VCC4 is poised to expand its scope in 2024, supporting emerging industries, sustainability, the creative sector, and advanced technological innovations.
Eight2Five’s VCC4 is expanding its reach across Zimbabwe through inclusive innovation clinics in Harare, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru, and Bulawayo from May 20 to May 24, as part of their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem that recognizes and supports the immense potential of women entrepreneurs, empowering their voices and entrepreneurial journeys, contributing to sustainable economic growth in the country.-chronl
