KINGSTONE ZIMUNYA
HARARE – ZimTrade, the country’s trade development and promotion organisation, officially launched the Eagle’s Nest AgriChallenge last Thursday at the Residence of the Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
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| Eagle's Nest AgriChallenge — supporting young entrepreneurs in Agribusiness |
The export capacity-building program is in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy to Zimbabwe, and is meant to support youth entrepreneurs in the agriculture and food sector. The AgriChallenge is an extension of ZimTrade’s Eagle’s Nest program which was launched in 2020.
Over the next several months, fifty youth-led agribusinesses will undergo training in key areas export packaging, branding, financial literacy and intellectual property. Participants will gain exposure through will workshops, site visits and a televised pitch program.
Speaking at the launch, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr. Margret Verwijk expressed her delight at partnering up with ZimTrade for the AgriChallenge. The program aligns with the Netherlands’ diplomatic strategy, and the hope is that the program will plant seeds will bear fruit in the near future.
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| Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr. Margret Verwijk |
“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 Eagle’s Nest AgriChallenge brings these priorities to life, and we hope it will result in more trade between the Netherlands and Zimbabwe somewhere down the line,” she remarked.
Ambassador Verwijk also urged the participants to adopt sustainable business practices that serve the community and the environment, saying, “I would like to urge you to think beyond profit, and think about the people and the planet as well. What problems could your businesses help solve? How can your work contribute to your community and to a healthier planet?
"In sectors like agriculture and food, your potential to address real world problems; from poverty and food insecurity, to climate change and water scarcity; is immense.”
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru revealed that the AgricChallenge was the result of a hands-on consultative process, which laid bare the need to support youth in agriculture for the ultimate progression of the industry.
“The Eagle’s Nest AgriChallenge was shaped by real conversations with young, determined entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe; in collaboration with our partners. We met youth with powerful ideas, unstoppable drive and unfortunately, limited access to export markets,” he said.
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| ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru |
He also echoed Ambassador Verwijk’s emphasis on sustainability, as it was a key consideration made in selecting participants for the program.
“The criteria for the program was developed with sustainability at the core. We are looking to inculcate innovative businesses that are value-adding and have export potential, while also contributing socially and environmentally to their communities,” shared Majuru.
In his remarks at the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAIT) Ambassador Chimbindi applauded the launch of the AgriChallenge, seeing it as much-needed a solution to low youth participation in the industry. The Permanent Secretary believes the program will not only bring economic transformation but will also elevate mindsets and change perceptions around agriculture.
“Despite Zimbabwe’s youthful population, youth participation in agriculture lags behind due to structural barriers, negative perceptions and limited access to land, finance and markets. The launch of the Eagle’s Nest AgriChallenge will go a long way in overcoming these issues, as it encourages the liberation of our minds,” Ambassador Chimbindi highlighted.
Ambassador Chimbindi also expressed his gratitude to ZimTrade and the Netherlands for playing a vital role in Zimbabwe’s export drive through the AgriChallenge.
“As MoFAIT, we are pleased that ZimTrade is spearheading efforts to connect our young farmers with international markets. We thank the Netherlands for partnering with us in our thrust to ensure that Zimbabwe occupies its space in global markets,” he said.
He concluded, “The Eagle’s Next AgriChallenge represents a vision for a modern, youthful and resilient agricultural sector where the youth aren't bystanders but leaders, not recipients of aid but creators of wealth, not waiting for opportunities but building them from the soil up.”
Meet The Judges
The judges for the televised pitch program have been selected for their experience and knowledge in the agriculture and food value chain, having started out as youth themselves.
They will get to hear and critique the business ideas of over thirty agriprenuers in a 13-episode TV reality series as part of the Eagle’s Nest AgriChallenge program.
Clarence Mwale
With two decades’ experience in the agricultural industry, Clarence Mwale has helped thousands of local farmers through his compliance-consultancy firm called Fair-Mark. His expertise in agricultural compliance, marketing and food safety is unmatched; assisting farmers across Southern Africa in meeting export market requirements.
He is also the founder KUMINDA, a company empowering small-scale farmers from training, planting, harvesting right to marketing. The company has helped capacitate farmers producing a range of crops like Sugar Snap peas, blueberries and avocados.
Roelof Nugteren
The General Manager at Luxaflor Roses will also be a Judge for the inaugural edition of the Eagle's Nest AgriChallenge.
Based in Concession, the flower-producer focuses mainly on European markets; making Nugteren's insight valuable to participants interested in running export-oriented agribusinesses.
Krystal Chindori-Chininga
Krystal Chindori-Chininga has a background in agricultural development and policy -making, she spent some time in the US before returning to explore opportunities on the continent.
Krystal holds a Bachelor's degree in International Agricultural Economics and Rural Development from Cornell University, and a Master's degree in Global Development and International Business, specializing in African Economics.
She manages a commercial farm in Zimbabwe, producing crops like tobacco, wheat, maize, soya beans, citrus, and cattle.
Krystal's background and experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on African development, and she's dedicated to showcasing the continent's potential.
Karen Jiri
A background in Accounting and Investment has proved beneficial for Karen Jiri, the current Commercial Director at Cicada Estates, one of Zimbabwe's largest avocado plantations.
As Commercial Director at Cicada, Karen leverages her vast experience to drive business growth and strategy.
She has hands-on and intellectual expertise in agriculture, agro-processing, FMCG manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Empowering youth in agriculture - an investment into Zimbabwe’s future
Agriculture remains one Zimbabwe’s key industries, contributing around 25% to total exports in 2024. With over 50% of the country's total population being under 35, their participation and success in Agriculture is imperative.
The AgriNest Challenge promises to be a game changer for Zimbabwe's agribusiness sector. It is an investment into the future of our youth and our country.
The initiative goes beyond most incubators; it is about building real businesses, producing competitive products, and unlocking access to real export opportunities.
Meanwhile, you can check out previous seasons of the Eagle's Nest TV show to get a feel of what to expect on the AgriChallenge show.
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