STAFF REPORTER
The Eight2Five Innovation Hub, powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, launched the 6th edition of its renowned and award-winning Value Creation Challenge (VCC). This year, the initiative aims to cast a wider net and the Eight2Five Innovation Hub team has embarked on a nationwide tour to onboard and educate startups and businesses led by youths, women, and persons with disabilities about the opportunities presented by the programme.
Partnerships are at the centre of the success of the Value Creation Challenge. The British Council and the British Embassy, who have been partners since the programme’s inception, continue to play a key role in supporting the initiative. In 2025, additional partners joined the programme, including the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT), the Swiss Embassy, and SNV Netherlands. These collaborations have significantly strengthened the programme’s reach and impact by providing participants with increased access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
“As a proud partner in the Value Creation Challenge, the British Council is committed to empowering Zimbabwe’s creative industries. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, we are not only nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs but also fostering a vibrant artistic community that is vital for the nation’s economic growth and innovation,” said Dr Lloyd Anderson, British Council Country Director Zimbabwe.
Last year, approximately 725 youths participated in the challenge. Value Creation Challenge aims to build on this momentum, solidifying its role as a pivotal part of Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Efforts are being made to ensure that all corners of Zimbabwe are aware of the challenge, providing equal opportunities for youths to apply. The countrywide tour began in Mutoko, and will conclude at the Harare Institute of Technology on April 15.
During the workshops, participants are receiving assistance with registration and submitting quality applications. They are also benefitting from business training designed to equip them with practical tools for implementation in their businesses. Additionally, participants are being made aware of the immense potential for entrepreneurship to reshape the economic landscape, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for themselves and the country.
The Value Creation Challenge recognizes that entrepreneurship is key to driving economic growth through investment in the capacitation of youths’ creative ideas, business development, and job creation. Organizers have stated that Value Creation Challenge will not only celebrate the innovative spirit of Zimbabwe’s young entrepreneurs but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and transformation.
“By empowering emerging businesses with essential resources, mentorship, and funding, Value Creation Challenge will foster a new generation of leaders poised to tackle the country’s challenges head-on,” said Lillian Mbayiwa, Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s Head of Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability.
Since its inception, the Value Creation Challenge has focused on enhancing participants’ business acumen and refining their strategies through expert mentorship, bespoke training, and invaluable resources. It has also facilitated networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with industry luminaries, potential investors, and collaborative partners.
Mbayiwa highlighted that the Value Creation Challenge is built on four key pillars: Innovative Technology, Creative Industries, Emerging Industries, and Sustainability. Each pillar is designed to promote growth and provide entrepreneurs with essential resources and support.
As Zimbabwe’s largest integrated financial conglomerate, Old Mutual has made entrepreneurship a cornerstone of its responsible business strategy, with sustainable transformation at the heart of its operations.