Zimpricecheck’s Dzvoma gets US$13,000 at entrepren...

Zimpricecheck’s Dzvoma gets US$13,000 at entrepreneurs challenge

Zim Now Reporter

Garikai Dzvoma, founder of Zimpricecheck, has successfully won US$13,000 in seed funding after taking first place in the 2024 "Value Creation Challenge". Dzvoma competed against 11 other finalists in this prestigious event, held last Friday, as reported by Chronicle.

Among the finalists, Tsepo Manganda’s Pured Agro Processors was awarded top honors in the emerging industries category, while Dzvoma’s Zimpricecheck won in the innovative technology section.

Additionally, Tafadzwa Nengare of Nengare Incorporated was recognized as the best performer in the creative industries, and Innocent Chigiya’s Crystal Cred won the sustainability award. Tafadzwa Zhawari’s Charis Nutrition Consultancy was named “Incubatee of the Year.”

Each top performer received US$6,500 in seed funding, and all 12 finalists were awarded US$1,500 each to support the growth of their startups.

Zimpricecheck offers real-time price comparisons for goods and services in Zimbabwe, while also providing insights into both official and unofficial exchange rates for the Zimbabwean dollar.

The Value Creation Challenge is an initiative launched by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the British Council and the British Embassy. The program aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing them with essential skills to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. This year’s competition attracted 646 entries, showcasing a wide range of entrepreneurial talent.

At the event’s finale, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Kuda Mnangagwa, emphasized the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in driving economic development in Zimbabwe. He stated, “Entrepreneurship is transforming our landscape, and Zimbabwe holds immense potential. Initiatives like the Value Creation Challenge help channel this potential into community and economic solutions.”

Mnangagwa further highlighted that the government is committed to fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives like the National Venture Capital Company (NVCC), established in 2021 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and high-potential startups by providing funding and strategic partnerships.

British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Peter Vowles, also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship for Zimbabwe's and the UK's economic ambitions. He said, “Both nations recognize that entrepreneurship is the key to growth through investment in creative ideas, business development, and job creation. The British Embassy is here to help entrepreneurs forge vital connections and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic future.”

Other notable finalists included African Fruit Company, Capital Kreatives, Honeyscoop, Kitchen Gardens by Joy, KumbaCare, Robust 365, and Ruby’s Touch Designs, all of which presented innovative business ideas aimed at addressing various market needs in Zimbabwe.

The Value Creation Challenge aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Agenda, promoting financial inclusion, youth empowerment, and job creation, all of which are integral to the nation’s Vision 2030 plan.