Harare,  (New Ziana) – The Eagles’ Nest Agri-Challenge, a collaborative initiative between ZimTrade and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe, has officially started, bringing together young agricultural entrepreneurs from across the country.

According to ZimTrade, following a record-breaking influx of applications, the programme has now entered the stage of intensive training, setting the stage for a promising journey for Zimbabwe’s next generation of agricultural businesses.

The Agri-Challenge was launched this year to identify and nurture youth-led agricultural enterprises with the potential to make a mark on the global stage.

The initiative seeks to inspire, empower, and launch scalable and sustainable agribusiness ventures that are not only commercially viable but also primed for international competitiveness.

Participants who were selected through a rigorous screening process are now immersed in hands-on, practical training, designed to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence required to turn their passion into profitable enterprises.

The training has a strong focus on both theoretical learning and practical application, setting the foundation for long-term success.

The program’s emphasis on preparing participants for export markets is a key distinguishing feature, with simulated pitching sessions, market engagement activities, and practical exposure to international trade requirements providing invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in the global marketplace.

According to ZimTrade, the call for applications resulted in an overwhelming and enthusiastic response, reflecting the untapped potential and entrepreneurial zeal among Zimbabwe’s youth.

Many of the selected participants are already managing early-stage ventures in diverse sectors such as horticulture, aquaculture, and agro-processing.

Their collective openness to embracing modern technologies and sustainable farming practices is helping to shape a vibrant and forward-looking training environment.

The Agri-Challenge is closely aligned with ZimTrade’s broader national development agenda, particularly in relation to youth empowerment, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

For many participants, the programme represents a transformational opportunity, offering access to cutting-edge agricultural expertise and the rare chance to become part of a process that is actively redefining the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe.

As the program continues to unfold, participants will refine their business models with guidance from experienced trainers and industry experts.

The next significant milestone involves a series of pitch presentations, during which participants will showcase the evolution of their agribusinesses.

Those who demonstrate the most compelling potential will progress to the subsequent stage, where they will benefit from targeted technical assistance and further capacity-building support.

The final phase will culminate in a high-stakes pitch competition, where a standout winner will be selected based on business viability, scalability, sustainability, and market-readiness.

With stakeholders from both the public and private sectors following the progress of this pioneering initiative with keen interest, there is a growing sense of anticipation surrounding the impact these young entrepreneurs are poised to make.

New Ziana