Staff Reporter

Provincial selections for the 5th edition of Emergination Africa’s National Business Case Competition (NBCC) are set to begin on September 12, 2024, spotlighting entrepreneurial talent from schools across Zimbabwe.

This year’s competition, which runs from September 12 to September 20, marks a key phase in selecting innovative business solutions aimed at addressing critical local challenges in agriculture, business services, and environment & climate sectors.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Talent Sande, CEO of Emergination Africa emphasized that the NBCC plays a pivotal role in empowering students with the skills to create businesses that are socially and economically impactful.

“Zimbabwe’s future lies in the hands of its young innovators. By focusing on sectors, such as agriculture and climate, we are not just preparing students for business but also equipping them to tackle issues that affect our economy and communities,” said Sande.

According to Patience Mutizwa, a member of the provincial selection committee, the goal is to assess ideas based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and their potential to benefit local communities.

“The competition invites students to present ventures that range from waste management solutions to enhancing access to banking and IT services and improving agricultural practices.  We are looking for ideas that show not just creativity, but also a deep understanding of local problems.

“Each participating school has submitted up to three business ventures, each supported by a prototype, demonstrating how the solutions can be implemented in real-world scenarios. The provincial selections will determine which teams will proceed to the national level, where they will compete for top honours in early 2025,” she added.

Meanwhile, by focusing on areas critical to Zimbabwe’s growth and sustainability, the NBCC is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped to lead in a changing world.

With submissions already in from various schools nationwide, the focus is on finding sustainable and viable business ideas that align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).  This strategic framework is central to the competition’s goal of nurturing young entrepreneurs who can provide solutions to the country’s most pressing problems.