Budding entrepreneur, Gracia Bvute, has encouraged young people across Zimbabwe to take bold steps towards registering and formalising their businesses, saying doing so opens doors to greater opportunities, partnerships, and growth.
Speaking during a youth empowerment at the National Youth Symposium, Bvute said many promising young business owners continue to operate informally out of fear of perceived high registration costs. She emphasized that the advantages of formalisation far outweigh the challenges.
“Young people must not be afraid to formalise their businesses. Once you are registered, you can access funding, Government tenders, and even export opportunities. Being formal also gives your brand legitimacy and protects your intellectual property,” she said.
Bvute, who runs a successful agro-processing venture, shared her own experience of starting small and gradually building a reputable enterprise through proper registration and compliance with business laws. She noted that formal businesses are better positioned to access capital from financial institutions, participate in Government empowerment programmes, and form partnerships with both local and international investors.
She further urged youths to seek guidance from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, the Zimbabwe Youth Council, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) associations which offer training and support services to help entrepreneurs formalise their operations.
“Formalisation is not just about paying taxes; it’s about securing your future. When you are registered, your business can grow beyond you, employ others, and contribute to the national economy,” Bvute added.
Her sentiments come at a time when Government and various empowerment agencies are stepping up efforts to promote entrepreneurship among youth as a strategy to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic activity.
The call for formalisation also aligns with Government’s drive to create a more transparent and structured small business sector that contributes effectively to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Several young participants at the event echoed Bvute’s message, saying they had learned the importance of compliance, accountability, and visibility in building a sustainable business.
The event highlighted how youth-led enterprises, if properly structured, can play a pivotal role in transforming communities and supporting Zimbabwe’s economic vision towards inclusive growth and empowerment.
