HARARE — The highly anticipated Zimbabwe International Youth Trade Fair and Conference (ZIYTC) 2025 is set for May 30 at the Harare International Conference Center. Organized by My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization, the the second edition of the event aims to be a dynamic platform for young entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders from Zimbabwe and across Africa.
A distinguished lineup of prominent figures will attend, including Nigerian actor and writer Richard Mofe-Damijo, former African Union representative to the United States Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, South African entrepreneur and author Vusi Thembekwayo, Ghanaian business strategist Kwame Opoku, and Zimbabwean philanthropist and Christian leader Dr. Edd Branson. Their collective expertise is expected to inspire the next generation of African leaders and visionaries.
Speaking on behalf of My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization, CEO Vimbai Angela Butawu emphasized the significance of the event in shaping the future of Zimbabwe and Africa.
“This event will not only celebrate the brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit of young people but also pave the way for new opportunities and partnerships for Zimbabwe and Africa’s future leaders. Our vision is to create a platform that fosters collaboration, empowers young entrepreneurs and showcases the incredible talents of our youth,” Butawu said.
The conference will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses and interactive sessions on youth empowerment, innovation and economic development. An exhibition space will allow young entrepreneurs to showcase business ideas and connect with investors, policymakers and corporate leaders.
The event has introduced tiered ticket pricing to ensure broad participation: high school students, $5; university students, $10; and VIP access, $120. No tickets will be sold on the day of the event. Sponsors have stepped in to make the event accessible to disadvantaged students, covering costs for 100 students each, organisers said.
Dr. Rainos Mautsa, a board member and sponsor of ZIYTC, highlighted the value of such platforms in nurturing young talent.
“When I was a young entrepreneur starting out in college, I wished for such a platform. With such opportunities, we are empowering young people, particularly those from rural areas, to connect, learn and grow their ideas into successful businesses,” Mautsa said.
Event spokesperson Nicole Jamu expressed excitement over the scale and impact of this year’s conference, describing it as “the biggest youth conference in the country.”
“We are committed to seeing the youth prosper. Beyond the conference, we have an exhibition space open to entrepreneurs from various sectors, from agriculture to technology and the arts. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an exclusive VIP networking dinner in the evening, allowing guests to engage directly with speakers and potential investors,” Jamu said.
Government representatives, civil society leaders and private sector players are expected to participate in both the pre-conference networking dinner and the main event. Their involvement underscores a commitment to youth development as a national and continental priority.
Butawu urged aspiring entrepreneurs, students and young professionals to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from global leaders and network with like-minded individuals.
“The youth are Africa’s greatest asset. By providing mentorship, resources and networking opportunities, we can unlock their potential and drive sustainable development. We invite all stakeholders to join us in making this event a success,” she said.
With sponsors such as Edd Branson Publishers, TelOne and Bigger Construction already on board, the Zimbabwe International Youth Trade Fair and Conference 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in Zimbabwe’s youth empowerment and entrepreneurial landscape.
