Building resilience and sustainability in agripreneurship – Reflections from the Youth Agripreneurship Summit

The Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) recently hosted a transformative Youth Agripreneurship Summit, embodying the theme Building Resilience and Sustainability in a Changing World. This event gathered farmers and aspiring agripreneurs from across the nation to explore strategies for thriving amid the challenges of an ever-changing world.

A day of inspiration

The summit featured a lineup of influential speakers who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and insights. The speakers, while excelling in diverse fields, shared a common thread of passion and persistence in the face of challenges.

Pioneering women’s empowerment

Dr Divine Ndhlukula, a celebrated livestock farmer, businesswoman, and author

Kicking off the event was Dr Divine Ndhlukula, a celebrated livestock farmer, businesswoman, and author. Dr Ndhlukula, who founded Securico, Zimbabwe's first ISO-certified security firm in 1998, emphasised the significance of resilience and commitment to one’s dreams.

She gave up work selling insurance to carve out her business career and she established security firm Securico with four employees. She now employs over 4,000, primarily women. Not only this; she is the founder of the Women Owned Business Trust, fostering women’s entrepreneurship.

Dr Ndhlukula has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Africa's Most Successful Women by Forbes. She has served as the president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and has been inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame.

She overcame scepticism in the male-dominated security sector through advocacy and employment of women and her story is a testament to the transformative power of women in business and the importance of empowering others.

Climate change resilience

Dr Julius Musevenzi from the University of Zimbabwe, who addressed the pressing need for response strategies to climate change

Next to speak was Dr Julius Musevenzi from the University of Zimbabwe, who addressed the pressing need for response strategies to climate change. His insights highlighted the vulnerabilities of Zimbabwe’s agro-based economy to environmental challenges such as droughts and floods.

He has lectured and delivered papers on the integration of climate response strategies across various socio-economic sectors, emphasising the collaboration among humanitarian, development, and peace actors for holistic resilience.

Zimbabwe faces challenges such as droughts and floods, which affect its agro-based economy and livelihoods dependent on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources.

Key adaptation strategies include promoting the use of drought-resistant crops and traditional grains, implementing early and multiple planting techniques, and diversifying livelihoods to reduce dependency on rain-fed agriculture. Additionally, afforestation and reforestation programs are encouraged to improve environmental sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Championing financial inclusion

Dr Ethel Mupambwa, CEO of MoneyMart Finance, took to the stage next, sharing her mission of promoting financial inclusion.

Dr Ethel Mupambwa, CEO of MoneyMart Finance, took to the stage next, sharing her mission of promoting financial inclusion, particularly for women and youth in Zimbabwe.

Dr Ethel Mupambwa was inspired to start MoneyMart Finance in 2014 due to her personal experiences and observations of financial exclusion, particularly among women in Zimbabwe. Growing up in the rural area of Nembudziya, Gokwe, she witnessed the challenges faced by women and small entrepreneurs in accessing financial services. This experience fueled her passion for financial inclusion and empowerment, especially for women and youth who are often excluded from mainstream financial services due to a lack of collateral and stringent documentation requirements.

MoneyMart Finance was established to address these challenges by providing flexible financial solutions tailored to the needs of the informal sector, which constitutes a significant portion of Zimbabwe's economy. Dr Mupambwa's commitment to financial literacy and innovative credit assessment methods aims to empower women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to economic growth.

Under her leadership, MoneyMart Finance has grown significantly, with a network of branches across Zimbabwe. The institution is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction and gender equality.

In 2020, Dr Mupambwa was recognised as an African Business Heroine and in 2021, Business Woman of the Year.

Innovating the food industry

Lesley Marange, the founder of Glytime Foods, who shared his journey from a corporate employee to an innovative food entrepreneur.

Last but not least was Lesley Marange, the founder of Glytime Foods, who shared his journey from a corporate employee to an innovative food entrepreneur.

Although still in his 30s, Marange has made significant strides in the food industry, transitioning from a previous role at Star Africa to launching his venture. His passion for cooking, nurtured from a young age, inspired him to create Glytime Foods, which reflects his commitment to quality and innovation in food production. Marange's journey is not only a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights his dedication to uplifting his community through sustainable food practices. His story resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and beyond, showcasing the potential for success through hard work and creativity.

Marange's ambition was to revolutionise how Zimbabweans think about food and health by creating a company that offers healthy food options. He aimed to challenge the status quo by establishing a state-of-the-art food production facility in Africa, inspired by successful global brands like Nestlé and Kellogg's.

In 2017, he established Glytime Foods. He started the company with a loan from his brother and personal savings, initially operating from a rented cottage. Glytime Foods has since grown, employing over 40 people and partnering with around 3,000 local farmers to ensure a steady supply of raw materials such as honey, oats, ground nuts and much more.

Marange's company focuses on innovative food products, including vegan foods and healthy cereals, and Glytime Foods products are available in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. The company is also working on expanding its market reach to Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is in the process of obtaining certification to enter the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Marange collaborates with local farmers to source and secure his raw materials and is committed to sustainable food practices and community upliftment. Marange’s story reflects how passion for cooking and commitment to quality can lead to entrepreneurial success and community impact.

Honouring leadership and farmers

The summit was officially opened by Hon Davis Marapira, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.

The summit was officially opened by Hon Davis Marapira, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. He commended the ZFU for creating a supportive community that encourages shared learning and resilience among its members.

A collective vision for the future

The Youth Agripreneurship Summit was not just a gathering; it was a call to action for all attendees to embrace resilience and sustainability in their agricultural practices. The shared experiences and knowledge from leaders in the field equipped participants with the tools necessary to envision and create their paths in the changing world of agripreneurship.