By Yolanda Million | Operations and Administration Manager
As we continue to raise sufficient funding to support 25 youth entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, Emergination Africa is pleased to update you on the activities that took place in the 1st quarter of 2024. The support we received from GlobalGiving has helped 5 Virtual Innovation Accelerator teams to progress in their daily business activities. Detailed progress is given below:
Food Wealth Grain Shellers
This team offers small grain shelling services to local community farmers in Masvingo Province. They also sell small grains and produce cattle feed using the remains from the shelled grains. Through the GlobalGiving support, the team has achieved the following:
Customers served:
The team has increased the number of customers from 56 to 61 since January. They expect to serve more as the harvesting season for small grains in Zimbabwe is fast approaching.
Sales amount:
Their sales have increased from $954.
They faced a challenge when their shelling machine broke down. Fortunately, the machine was fixed and they resumed work. They have also expanded their business to now sell mealie-meal from the grains they receive as payment for services. Their packaging is currently being printed.
Pured Agro-Processors
Pured Agro-Processing was formed by high school students from Mzingwane High School in Matebeleland South after being selected as part of Emergination Africa’s Virtual Innovation Accelerator. Having realized that the bulk of tomato produce in Mzingwane would spoil due to a limited market, they became very passionate about protecting farmers from major losses on their produce. This led to the creation of Pured, which focuses on producing tomato sauce and tomato powder. Through GlobalGiving support, the team has managed to:
Tomato Powder Sales volumes:
They have increased their sales volumes from 400 to 675 sachets of powder.
Sales amount:
They have also increased their sales from $1200 to $2108 from January 2024 to March 2024.
Tomato Sauce Sales Volumes:
The team has managed to increase their tomato sauce bottles sold from 102 to 157.
Sales amount:
Their sales of tomato sauce have increased from $153 to $236.
The team hopes to increase their production capacity in the coming months as they have partnered with institutions that will offer dehydrators for their tomatoes. Their rebranding design is complete and ready for printing.
Ballenious Investments
The company was formed by a team of five students from Northlea High School in Bulawayo. Ballenious produces a healthy natural juice (NutriSip) from an indigenous fruit, mawuyu (Baobab). This is in response to the large number of unhealthy drinks that have flooded the market. The juice, NutriSip, is a healthy option that has less sugar and is ideal for people who prefer healthy drinks. Through GlobalGiving Support, they have managed to:
Sales:
They have managed to increase their sales volumes from 6200 to 6632 bottles of juice and their sales from $3720 to $3979.
The team has managed to rebrand their product and have started production in the Hwange area as well. They have partnered with a wholesale shop to supply their juice and so far have managed to supply 7 crates of juices to test out the partnership. They hope to improve their sales through improved marketing efforts.
Amahle Marula Oil
The company was formed by a team of five students from Manama High School in Matebeleland South. The province has an abundance of marula trees. The team realized the growing demand for beauty products, especially from women who are focused on enhancing their skin's beauty. This led the team to consider the production of Marula Oil for skin beauty. Through GlobalGiving funds, the team has made the following strides:
They have managed to produce 96 bottles (30ml each) of marula oil, soon to be introduced to the market. They have also rebranded their logo and packaging. They are currently seeking partnerships with local pharmacies.
Persea Brands Pvt Ltd
The company was formed by a team of five students from Nyatsime High School in Chitungwiza, Harare. The team produces Baobab Tea, which they have named Baobab Coffee. According to the team, the tea has health benefits for various ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The focus of the business is to contribute to a healthier society by providing healthier options to the community.
The team closed shop last year due to their studies. All of their members are dispersed in different countries for tertiary education. They haven’t resumed work but are looking forward to starting operations this year as some of them will be done with their undergraduate studies.
Emergination Africa is grateful for the support we have received from donors through GlobalGiving. Through your contributions, VIA teams have managed to improve operations.
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