Published: 4 hours ago

Old Mutual Zimbabwe's Eight2Five Innovation Hub has strengthened its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent through a continued partnership with The Ideas Tank, integrating the initiative into its Value Creation Challenge programme. The collaboration provides startups with critical exposure, investor connections, and mentorship, helping transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

The hub is sponsoring the initiative for the third consecutive year at this year's edition of the In Conversation with Trevor Ideas Festival, scheduled for the end of October at Troutbeck Hotel in Nyanga.

In written responses, Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Executive, Lillian Mbayiwa, highlighted the hub's role in expanding opportunities for emerging businesses. "Partnering with The Ideas Tank allows startups critical exposure, investor connections, and mentorship. Our goal is to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions," she said, adding that strategic partnerships will be leveraged further in the future to scale impact.

Through the Value Creation Challenge 2025, forty startups directly benefited, while over 3,000 small businesses participated in nationwide business clinics earlier this year. Alumni who showcased their innovations on major platforms such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), VCC Showcase Day, and the Ideas Festival secured partnerships, contracts, and seed funding.

Mbayiwa acknowledged persistent challenges around access to capital and market readiness but said these are being addressed through targeted mentorship and incubation. The programme collaborates with organisations including the British Council, ZADT, the British Embassy, Delta Corporation, SNV, and DHL GoTrade to enhance export readiness and provide global market access.

This year, the challenge introduces a panel of judges tasked with ensuring transparent evaluation and providing actionable feedback to startups that have completed a three-month incubation programme. The incubation equips entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and networks needed to succeed in a competitive business environment.

As the Ideas Festival 2025 approaches, experts note that Old Mutual's Eight2Five Innovation Hub remains a driving force in Zimbabwe's entrepreneurial ecosystem, turning bold ideas into tangible business success.
- newsday

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