Youth-led businesses make headways at Zambia show

Zimbabwean youth-owned small businesses are confident of entering regional markets following lucrative business leads established at Zambia’s premier trade fair, which ends today in Lusaka.

Three youth-led SMEs are part of the 25 Zimbabwean companies facilitated by national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, to showcase their products at the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show, which is ran from 2-7 August.

At the Zambia show, these youth-led businesses, who have been capacitated by ZimTrade in developing competitive products and services, are engaging leading distributors to discuss viable options to land their products and services in the Zambia market.

Winner of the inaugural ZimTrade-run Eagles Nest Youth Export Incubation Programme, Manetain Organics, is optimistic of making inroads into Zambia market as potential buyers are impressed with the quality of their products.

“The amount of potential for our products in this market is beyond our expectations and consumers are looking for the high-quality products we offer.

“We have had offers for distribution of our products from the first day, and it is encouraging to see how open and keen our neighbours are to try Zimbabwean products.

“The gap in the market is huge and enough to boost our export sales when we conclude the deals we have been discussing here,” said Ms Lienne Shonhiwa, Manetain Organics founder.

Another youth-led enterprise in the services sector, Kulies are riding on the ZACS to grow their visibility in regional markets.

“We are realising lots of opportunities for our tailor-made services, which potential clients are saying will enhance their operations.

“Our target is to link Zimbabwean and other African suppliers through our seamless online marketplace that serves to facilitate ease of doing business,” said Gary Ruwona, Kulies founder.

Mr. Ruwona further said unlocking access to international markets for youth-led businesses will make it easy for Zimbabwe to fully realise the benefits of the Africa-wide trade fair.

“As young people we are creatives, and this puts us in a position to come up with solutions that are unique.

“This then allows Zimbabwe to enter territories that are still to be fully exploited and secure a strong position as top provider of services across the African continent and beyond,” he said.

Facilitating for youth-led enterprises to take part in mainstream export business is part of ZimTrade’s wider strategy to inculcate an export culture among previously marginalised groups.

This is in line with Government’s National Development Strategy (NDS1), which acknowledges that young people are a valuable resource if they are given opportunities.

The National Development Strategy states that “Youth are a valuable resource especially if they are allowed to build and strengthen qualities that enable them to grow and flourish into responsible citizens”.

Thus, the facilitation of youth-led SMEs at regional and international trade fairs are designed to unlock access to lucrative markets, which in turn will contribute towards better revenues, creation of job opportunities, and improved livelihoods.

ZACS is a multi-sectoral trade fair that showcases different products and services such as agricultural machinery and implements, processed foods, livestock, horticulture, and financial services.

The 95th edition of the trade show is running under the theme, “Inclusive Economic Transformation”.

Participating companies are drawn from sectors with huge potential for export growth into Zambia, such as fast-moving consumer goods, agricultural inputs and implements, leather and leather products.

Other sectors represented are protective clothing, building and construction, and services.-herald