Nearly forty (40) innovative ideas beat out hundreds of competitors, across sectors, to be represented at the Innovation Baraza Fair to be held on Friday July 10th at the Baraza Pavilion in Tynwald, Harare. Organizers announced last week that the successful ideas include innovations in the agriculture, finance, health, resource management, infrastructure, community, retail, and trade sectors of Zimbabwe.
According to Udugu Institute, the event organizers, “Africa has 7 of the 10 fastest growing economies, a forecasted higher working age population than anywhere else in the world, and countless other metrics that all point to one simple thing: new and alternative ways to grow are required to create sustainable value and an inclusive society. Innovation Baraza is a platform to connect the Zimbabwean society, and investment and market potential, with the ideas that will make Africa better.”
The Friday fair, open to the public from 10:30am to 4:30pm, will feature exhibits, food vending, and an inspirational formal program that includes Minister of ICT, Honorable Supa Mandiwanzira and more. Top Zimbabwean innovators will present their game changing ideas and new approaches that challenge the norm and improve Zimbabwean lives throughout the day for judges across sectors and the overall public – which has a crucial vote in the process. The top five finalists on Friday will be invited to the prestigious Simba Savannah Investors Forum later this year.
The United States Embassy, along with a number of other sponsors, are supporting the initiative which features the eight most active incubator and accelerator hubs in Zimbabwe in a crucial role.
“We are excited to support this opportunity for Zimbabweans who are crafting innovative solutions to local challenges, and who are seeking investors to bring those solutions to market.” said Karen Kelley, Counselor for Public Affairs at the United States Embassy. “Our support for entrepreneurship is one of the most critical ways that we can support efforts that will lead to economic prosperity in Zimbabwe, which is an important goal for the U.S. mission here.”
The successful contestants have been working with technology centres such as the Hypercube Hub, Emerging Ideas, Area 46, and MotoRepublik who have been preparing them for the Innovation Baraza showcase. The tech hubs will continue to mentor all budding entrepreneurs with what it takes to get started and what it takes to make it as a Zimbabwean entrepreneur.
Admission is free. And your vote matters. Come to Innovation Baraza and be inspired by the “Zimmovators.” For more information, see www.innovationbaraza.com.
