The Sunday News
Nozibelo Maphosa, Sunday News Reporter
A BULAWAYO entrepreneur last month entered into a lucrative deal with a United States town council of Hanover that will see the two engaging in various developmental projects targeting the youths.
Chief Executive Officer of Bulawayo-based Mazibisa Inc Mr Nkosana Mazibisa said he clinched the deal during his recent visit to the US as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
The deal is expected to focus on four key areas — business, internships, students and cultural exchange programmes. Mr Mazibisa said the partnership was a new frontier that sought to promote innovative ideas and actions to strengthen both Bulawayo and Hanover’s economic performance.
“Our activities are focused in four areas, business, internships, students and cultural exchange programmes. This is meant to encourage entrepreneurs, leaders, key decision-makers and experts to share experiences and insights at private meetings, fellowships and seminars; delivering relevant, practical policy advice to global leaders, investors, business owners, universities and generating new thinking and thought-leadership to address Bulawayo’s development challenges,” he said.
He said they would be working in the full spectrum of human development, from those emerging from underprivileged backgrounds to those diversifying their economic activities.
Mr Mazibisa said the partnership was established with the specific aim to tackle both the what and how questions.
“One of the main principles which underpin the partnership’s work is that economic growth is the best means to achieve prosperity and political stability. We are ever-mindful that higher growth rates are not, however, the only indicator of success,” said Mr Mazibisa.
Mr Mazibisa said the partnership aimed at providing Bulawayo and Hanover citizens with a unique exposure to the North America and Africa as well as providing practical skills and knowledge required to successfully operate and grow a business on the global competitive landscape.
Hanover town manager Mr Julia Griffin expressed how the partnership would benefit Hanover and Bulawayo.
“Hanover would like to welcome the opportunity to partner with you to foster academic and career exchange programmes. I stand ready to assist you in bringing young students and leaders from Zimbabwe to Hanover to study, to participate in youth exchanges and engage in business internship opportunities. Hanover and I look forward to continuing our friendship and in helping to build a strong exchange with you and your colleagues,” he said.
Mazibisa was honoured by Forbes Africa magazine as one of the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs on the continent. He is the founder of Mazibisa Inc, a consultancy firm and a food outlet called Swad the Taste of India, which deals in biscuits, potato crisps and dried fruits.
