Zimbabwe International Youth Trade Fair On the Cards 

By Wallace Mawire   

The My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization (MACYDO) is set to host the second edition of the Zimbabwe International Youth Trade Fair and Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe on 30 May, 2025, according to Chief Koti, Conference Coordinator.                                              

Koti said the fair and conference is designed to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, connect with industry leaders and to unlock new growth opportunities.                                                             

Vimbai Butawu, CEO of MACYDO, said the groundbreaking event will not only celebrate the brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit of young people, but will pave the way for new opportunities and partnerships for Zimbabwe and Africa's future leaders.               

She said the event will be a monumental gathering of innovative minds, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and youth from across the country and beyond.                                                         

'This noble event is designed to empower and inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders,' Butawu said.                                                                          

She said her organization firmly believes in the power of youth as the drivers of positive change and sustainable development.                                    

According to Koti, the trade fair and conference will feature an exciting blend of local and international renowned leaders such as Vusi Thembekway from  South Africa, Ambassador Dr Arikana  Chihombori-Quao, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kwame Opoku and Ambassador Eddie Branson. The organizers have called on entrepreneurs, innovators, students and aspiring change makers to mark the day in their calendars.                                 

They said young African entrepreneurs encounter numerous challenges which include limited access to training and skills development, lack of understanding on how to access investors and mentors and limited knowledge on value addition and local resource utilization.                                           

The event is expected to provide business networking opportunities, knowledge sharing platform, exhibition and trade facility, engagement with government including awards and recognition for outstanding entrepreneurs.