Youth Invest
Investing in the resourceful demographic dividend of Zimbabwe.
About Us
As Youth Invest, we believe the youth are an integral part of community change because of their resourcefulness and dynamic competencies, hence our commitment to invest in them. Through our thrust on inclusive entrepreneurship, we assist the youth to turn their dreams and ideas into concrete business and/ or social enterprises.
The emphasis on inclusivity goes beyond the inclusion of the ordinarily marginalized groups such as youth with disabilities and young women, it is also about supporting entrepreneurs from different sectors and backgrounds by creating a level playing field through advocacy and lobbying. Inclusive entrepreneurship is about developing the grit to start, acquiring the relevant skills and networks and progression from mere survival to long-term sustainability.
The emphasis on inclusivity goes beyond the inclusion of the ordinarily marginalized groups such as youth with disabilities and young women, it is also about supporting entrepreneurs from different sectors and backgrounds by creating a level playing field through advocacy and lobbying. Inclusive entrepreneurship is about developing the grit to start, acquiring the relevant skills and networks and progression from mere survival to long-term sustainability.
Our Vision
A generation of development oriented youth capable of positive socio-economic impact.
Our Mission
To promote the youth’s sustainable social and economic development through synergy effort and capacity building.
Our Projects
Throughout the year, we invest in the youth through conducting several projects, and the main ones are as follows:
Financial Inclusion Outreach Project
We conduct financial inclusion outreach programs promoting the accessibility of financial services to marginalized socio-economic groups. We have worked with the following banks and microfinance institutions: Agribank, EmpowerBank, POSB, Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank and Untu Capital. To date, over 1 000 youth and women have benefited from the programs.
Zimbabwe Diaspora Homecoming Economic Forum
The ZDHEF is a networking platform for entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and in the diaspora to identify and share business opportunities. The Forum, thus, empowers those of our diaspora community to participate in the mainstream socio-economic development agenda. The Forum has brought in Zimbabweans based in South Africa, Namibia and United States of America. This year, the Forum is penciled for the 18th of December 2020.
Promoting Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship (PRTE)
The PRTE project works with craft operators in Victoria Falls’ rural areas. The project promotes the participation of youth entrepreneurs in the mainstream economic development through capacity development, networking and access to markets. To learn more about the craft operators, visit www.vicfallscurios.com.
Membership
Membership is open for all young people between the ages of 18 to 35 years with the following characteristics:
Enterprising - keen on effecting real positive change in the community
Energetic and proactive.
Willing to acquire further skills development.
Passionate about community development.
Being a YI member provides you a platform where you can:
- Attend entrepreneurship and civic engagement seminars and workshops.
- Access various sources of finance through interacting with local loan providers.
- Access to world-class coaching and mentorship on business, academic and other related fields.
- Lobby government and other relevant stakeholders.
- Share ideas and engage in meaningful discussions through our interactive and engaging youth platforms.
Gallery
Here are some images of Youth Invest in action.
YI Board Members pose for a photo with the U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian A. Nichols at the 2019 Grant Signing Ceremony
