SEVENTY-SEVEN Zimbabweans are among about 4 950 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries who recently received non-refundable US$5 000 seed capital each from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading champion of entrepreneurship on the continent, selected the beneficiaries from a pool of over 400 000 applications based on, among other factors, growth potential to create jobs and eradicate poverty.
Apart from the non-refundable seed capital, the beneficiaries receive business management training, mentorship and global networking opportunities.
One of the Zimbabwean beneficiaries of the continental entrepreneurship programme, Lumbie Mlambo, the founder of a company called JB Dondolo, told the Daily News yesterday that she would use the US$5 000 seed capital to solarise one of the six boreholes her company drilled late last year to provide water for irrigation in the Matobo Hills area.
“I am thinking about clean water and food security, good health and sustainability. My company JB Dondolo has just provided some boreholes in Matobo Hills so women and girls don’t have to walk too far to collect water.
“So, I intend to use the grant to solarise one borehole to enable it to provide water for irrigation, farming, gardening, cattle silage, and composting,” said Mlambo.
Tony O Elumelu, the founder of the continental entrepreneurship programme, urged beneficiaries of the initiative to stay focused.
“To you young African entrepreneurs — work hard, dream dreams, and be very disciplined. You must continue to think of impact.
“The entrepreneurship journey is not linear — there are ups and downs, but by staying focused and resilient, ultimately success will come your way.
“The future of our continent is in your hands. What you do as entrepreneurs will go a long way in lifting Africa out of poverty.
“I am happy that our female entrepreneurs are doing very well, with 68 percent representation (of the beneficiaries) this year,” Elumelu said.
He added that the application for the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme was now open on www.tefconnect.com
Some of the Zimbabweans who benefited from Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
1. Michelle Kanokanga -Mibsy Outdoor
2. Learnmore Tiringindi – Vall State Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd
3.Sharara Ngonidzashe Cre8 Media
4. Willard Musumuvi ( Delsar Image Consultancy)
5. Reginald Magwiroto – KidsPro
6.Leonard Muroyi -EN-STEEL AND METTLE CIVILS PVT LTD
7. Tafadzwa Nzira – Tafadzwa Nzira Investments
8. Nicholas Nderezina – Nderezina Incorporated
9.Ruvimbo Kadyevu – EthelartConnect PVT LTD
10. Florence Kariza – KARZA LOUNGE PVT LTD
11. Rutendo Shoko – True To Yourself Pvt ltd
12. Nelly Paulser – Graphic House Zim
13. Panashe Ellington Takaindisa- Meat z Us PVT Ltd
14. Steven Mukomba-Valleyside Destiny (Pvt) Ltd
15: Nancy Nemashakwe PNY Consulting
16: Brighton Mashonga – MashInc Group of companies
17: Kudzai Makaza- Artisanal Foods Zimbabwe
18: Simphiwe Gina – S Creates
19. Tafadzwa Mzilikazi – Crazy VA designs
20. Trish Hakata – Thymeless Gourmet
21. Tanaka Mupatsi- Takngel Save Logistics
22. Lumbie Mlambo – JB Dondolo
23. Keith Chipudhla – Vitagrow Urban Farms
24. Phindile Ncube – NewLeaf Fusion
25. Munya Chinamasa – StudentLink
26. Nyasha Denhere- Bono Salus Enterprises Pvt Ltd
27.Christine Chapwanya_Paruskir Pvt Ltd
28. Justice Nyika- Justbutbits Investments
29. Rutendo Rukodzi – Lotusrue Pvt Ltd
30. Evangelista Chekera- Passion Poultry
31.Primrose Mguni – Belle homes investments pvt ltd
32.Kuda Garamukanwa- AfriSteel Precast Pvt Ltd
33. Nothando Bhila- Darey Divas Pvt Ltd
34.Joyce Kapota – Amor’ Sport Consultancy
35. Gail Medgreens Pvt Ltd
36. Masunda Caroline Ruramayi; Dingo Point Investments Pvt LTD