SHANNISED DZOBO
MASVINGO – More than 30 exhibitors showcased their wares and services at the Masvingo provincial business development conference at Masvingo Polytechnic last week.
The one day event was running under the theme ‘Accelerating the attainment of Vision 2030 through business development in Youth, Sport and the Arts’.
Masvingo Province Director for Economic Affairs Clive Chingwara in his welcome remarks said that this year’s theme is a great stride towards empowering youth and creating a strong economic base for the country.
“It is beyond doubt that business forums of this magnitude are a motivating factor to youth in business as they receive education on various legal issues relating to entrepreneurship. This business conference instills into youth in business good ethical business conduct, promotes the use of local raw materials and value addition in economic activities and promotes technology exchange and transfer”, said Chingwara.
“After this forum it is anticipated that youth in business will have a new line of thinking with regards to entrepreneurship and have diversified approach to business,” he added.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and Recreation, Benson Dube said that vision 2030 focuses on community development which addresses poverty, promotes economic opportunities and the integration of people into meaningful social structures.
“Zimbabwe banks on you young entrepreneurs because the future of the economy lies in your hands that is why the government is focusing on establishment of production and innovation hubs so that you bring new and effective production tools in the economy so as to end poverty.
“This conference has afforded you the opportunity to discuss key issues that affect you as a business practitioner and take this as an experience sharing venture where you exchanged notes on success stories in business implementation,” said Dube.
He went on to applaud the innovative exhibitions which they toured and urged them to keep the momentum since it is in line with the Business Development Department policy for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation whose mandate is to develop policies, procedures and training necessary for effective youth, sport, arts and recreation commercial business units.
Olivarth Guvuriro, Great Zimbabwe University Sports Director in his presentation told the gathering that entrepreneurs should find everything in their turf or department as a business venture to dig oneself out of poverty.
“In every department that you are in one should find a business idea so that you do not find yourself in poverty when you have everything at your disposal for instance in sport one can venture in selling sport equipment, uniforms or build sporting facilities, one should just find them useful because money is everywhere”, said Guvuriro.
Among other exhibitors who came there was Masvingo City Council, Environment Management Agency(EMA), Eben Hardware, My Age, SMEDCO, Empower bank, Masvingo Polytechnic, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority(ZIMRA), Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife(ZIMPARKS), Vocational training Centres, Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis, Mogenster Teachers College and National Aids Council(NAC).
