The six months of training have already yielded results for the participants, where they have been trained in how to access financing, develop strategies and access to market. Overall business development relates to how they can partner and work together to grow their enterprises. As a result of the impact of the programme, 15 enterprises have been able to be formalized and about 12 have been able to expand their businesses. So, this programme is very good, and we look forward to expanding it in the future as NEEC in ensuring youth have access to key business and enterprise development skills.” –– Madam Beng'i Mazana Issa, National Economic Empowerment Council Executive Secretary 

We have received a lot of knowledge and skills. And personally, as a leader as a result of this particular engagement and programme, we've been able to transition from being registered as a sole proprietor to a company limited by shares. This will helps us widen our market reach not only in Dar es Salam but other places in Tanzania and East Africa.”  –– William Mdemu, Founder AgriMwendo from Tanzania

As an academic, I have benefited from this programme in many ways. One is understanding business development and tapping into my science project to develop a special bacterium that will be used in animal feeds, soil regeneration and other uses that can support the agricultural sector in Zambia. UNITAR’s hard work and willingness to go above and beyond were instrumental in achieving my goals and creating a positive experience for all the participants.” –– Yasa Mwelwa, Organic Oasis (Scientist and Entrepreneur) from Zambia

UNITAR and BADEA programme has equipped me with skills that have helped in positioning my project as a consultancy. Besides working on my business enterprise, I offer training services to women who want to start agribusiness where I work with community organizations and even foreign embassies in their diverse programmes. As such, I plan to continue cascading the skills learned to thousands of women who want to improve their farming practices and improve their livelihoods.” –– Amanda Munyoro, Founder and women empowerment advocate W.I.F.E (Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship from Zimbabwe

As a beneficiary of this programme, I am grateful for the skills and practices learned as I am able now to link my expertise and business to ensure food security and support smallholder farmers while raising awareness on food security issues. The pitching skills and connections with financiers is a good addition to the programme as financing is key in ensuring the sustainability of agriculture.” –– Mercy Chatyoka, Founder Pik it Fresh and Food nutritionist

To help participants prepare to market themselves to potential funders and investors, the programme held in-person pitching sessions wherein participants practised pitching value propositions and business plans and projects. The programme is thankful to the Zimbabwe Women's Microfinance Bank, the Vision Fund, CRDB Bank, and the Absa Bank for conducting coaching sessions and offering expert support and consideration of the projects presented by the participants. In addition, UNITAR alumni in host countries were invited as seasoned entrepreneurs to share their lived experiences around building and running enterprises in their business environments. This alumni engagement further equipped graduating participants with tools for running a successful agribusiness. 
 

UNITAR and BADEA are also offering post-training coaching engagements that further prepare beneficiaries to pursue start-up or business expansion support from ecosystem partners. To further optimize the programme’s impact, UNITAR and BADEA will also conduct impact assessments to measure the results of individual transformations and larger impacts in participants’ communities.