Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira says the Eagle’s Nest Agri-Challenge provides Zimbabwean youths with space to innovate and contribute to economic development.
Eagle’s Nest is an annual export business incubation challenge open to youths from across the country and organised by the trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade.
“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.
“Throughout this programme, we would want to watch ideas mature, solutions strengthened, and confidence grow. 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,” Murwira said during this year’s season finale.
“Across global markets, consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, purity, sustainability and products with a meaningful story of origin. Zimbabwe possesses these attributes in abundance.
“Our climate, our indigenous knowledge systems, our biodiversity and our rich agricultural heritage provide us with a natural competitive advantage.”
Murwira said leveraging export business on heritage meant Zimbabwean youths would not become imitators but instead become leaders who do not follow markets but shape them.
“When this heritage is combined with modern innovation, as demonstrated by our participants, it evolves into an economic force capable of unlocking new markets and strengthening our export footprint,” he said.
Permanent Secretary Albert Chimbindi referred to the participants as trade ambassadors showcasing the best of Zimbabwean capability to the world.
“They (the participants) have shown innovation in sustainable agriculture, efficiency in managing supply chains and most importantly, an unwavering commitment to quality that meets stringent international standards,” Chimbindi said.
ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said the entire process undergone by the participants provided useful lessons for the organisers.
“Through the journey, we have learnt a lot. Our heritage from any corner of the country remains central to who we are.
“Across this room are young entrepreneurs who are living proof that agriculture is not only the foundation of our past but of our future,” Majuru said.
