The Government has implored young innovators participating in national trade promotion and development ZimTrade’s Eagle’s Nest Agri-Challenge, to transform their ideas into viable enterprises capable of uplifting communities and driving economic growth.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, in a speech read on his behalf by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said this while speaking at the Eagle’s Nest Agri-Challenge Finale on Friday.
He said the programme continued to demonstrate the economic potential that emerged when young Zimbabweans are empowered to innovate and lead.
Minister Murwira added that global consumers are increasingly demanding authenticity, purity, sustainability and products with a strong story of origin and Zimbabwe possesses these attributes in abundance.
“What began as ideas should be transformed into enterprises with the potential to uplift communities and contribute meaningfully to our economy. As the youth, you are supposed to turn mantras into action.
“The Eagle’s Nest Agri-Challenge stands as a testament to what becomes possible when young Zimbabweans are given the space to innovate, to lead, and to envision themselves as catalysts of national development,” said Minister Murwira.
“Zimbabwe’s climate, our indigenous knowledge systems, our biodiversity, and our rich agricultural heritage provide us with a natural competitive advantage. When this heritage is combined with modern innovation, it evolves into an economic force capable of unlocking new markets and strengthening our export footprint,” said Prof Murwira.
ZimTrade chief executive, Allan Majuru, said this year’s competition placed agriculture at the centre because of its strategic role in economic transformation.
“We are reminded that a food-secure world is a peaceful world, and Zimbabwe has a vital contribution to make in ensuring global stability and nourishment.
“In the present moment, we see a sector transforming. Zimbabwe is making bold strides toward Vision 2030, driven by a commitment to ensure that no one, especially the youth, is left behind,” said Mr Majuru.
Majuru noted that the sector is undergoing significant transformation as the country advances toward Vision 2030, with a deliberate effort to ensure the youth are not left behind.
Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Zimbabwe, Mr Ilyaas Sherally, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s agricultural and trade development initiatives.
“The Embassy is supporting numerous projects in the fields of agriculture, trade, water, climate adaptation and gender equality, and we’re seeing excellent results.
“In particular, we celebrate the growth of the local horticulture sector and the increased trade between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, which has doubled in just the past three years,” he said.
The exhibitions at the Eagle’s Nest Agri-Challenge Finale exhibitions showcased how young entrepreneurs are using technology, creativity and value addition to elevate Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
Exhibitors demonstrated that agriculture is no longer defined by land size, but by innovation, intelligence and the ability to craft a compelling story of origin.
Launched in 2020, the Eagle’s Nest youth export incubation programme aims to cultivate an export-oriented culture among youth-driven enterprises.
The initiative is built on the belief that inclusive trade and economic development require the active participation of underserved groups, particularly young people.
The finale reaffirmed optimism that Zimbabwe’s next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs can play a transformative role in shaping the country’s export competitiveness and economic resilience.-herald
