Harare, Zimbabwe: In a vibrant display of ingenuity and collaboration, young entrepreneurs from across Southern Africa recently converged in Harare for the Urban Futures Spark My Urban City Green youth climate conference. This two-day event, held in Zimbabwe’s capital, brought together agro-entrepreneurs from Chongwe and Kitwe in Zambia, Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. The conference was a testament to the power of youth leadership and collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture and climate justice.
A Platform for Visionaries
The first day of the conference was dedicated to knowledge sharing and vision setting, emphasizing the critical link between climate action and economic transformation. Expert-led panels delved into leadership, agro-enterprises, and financing, equipping participants with strategies to tackle the pressing challenges facing Southern Africa’s agricultural systems.
Urban Futures Regional Coordinator Runyararo Chibota underscored the conference’s mission: “We hope the conference provides a platform for young people to engage with policies governing green enterprises and advocate for impactful change.” She highlighted the importance of brand growth, value addition, and market access in driving productivity and conservation.
Marry Wazara, founder of the Recycling Lady Foundation, stressed the need for context-specific solutions: “Young people must develop environmentally friendly innovations to mitigate poor waste management practices.” This sentiment was echoed by Phillip Sangendu, Head of Digital and E-commerce at Stanbic Bank in Zimbabwe, who emphasized the necessity of adopting sustainable farming methods and leveraging technology. “We have hubs that provide resources such as internet access, mentoring, and coaching to help youth build their capacities and integrate into value chains,” he said.
Unlocking Financial Opportunities
A significant theme of the conference was the challenge of accessing financial opportunities for agricultural businesses. Experts from ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Trust (ZADT) urged a shift towards value addition and alternative markets. Pedzisai Nemadziva of ZADT pointed out, “Youth enterprises face challenges in securing tailored funding, as institutions often group them into generic categories. To compete globally, youth must innovate to address issues like climate change.”
Tatenda Machinzi from ZimTrade encouraged proactive engagement with available programs: “Initiatives like Eagles Nest offer training in financial management, branding, and social media marketing, but many youths miss out due to a lack of outreach.”
Creativity and Collaboration on Display
The second day of the conference was a celebration of creativity and collaboration. Attendees showcased agricultural innovations and sustainable designs, with a runway show featuring clothing made from recycled materials. This engaging display highlighted the intersection of fashion and climate solutions, making the issues both fun and memorable.
Exhibits included art pieces, water management models, and preserved food products, demonstrating the diverse approaches young entrepreneurs are taking to address climate challenges. Walinda Gondwe from Global Network Solutions in Zambia remarked, “The conference has been eye-opening, full of skill and knowledge on display. We’ve picked up on how we can contribute towards climate-resilient agriculture. This symposium also proved that there is no scarcity when it comes to business partners for young people.”
Building a Sustainable Future
The conference concluded with a sense of optimism and determination to implement new ideas. Clariss Masiya of Green Governance Zimbabwe expressed hope for the future: “There are brilliant innovations from young people that can transform agriculture into a force for climate resilience and economic growth in Zimbabwe and Zambia.” The event underscored the power of youth-driven agricultural innovation, offering a path toward sustainable development and climate action.
As the curtains fell on the Urban Futures Spark My Urban City Green youth climate conference, it was clear that the future of agriculture in Southern Africa is in capable, innovative hands. The young entrepreneurs who gathered in Harare are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today, driving forward a vision of sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
