The Value Creation Challenge (VCC6) took centre stage at Texpo Bulawayo on Day 2, with the Eight2Five Innovation Hub showcasing its flagship incubation programme during a seminar led by Alexandera Munorwei.

Powered by Old Mutual, VCC6 is a nationwide initiative designed to identify, fund and fast-track Zimbabwe’s most promising early-stage startups. Now in its sixth year, the programme continues to transform prototypes and MVPs into investment-ready ventures.

Delivered in partnership with organisations including the British Council and SNV Netherlands, VCC remains a key pipeline for structured startup support in Zimbabwe.

The programme targets entrepreneurs with businesses under five years old, particularly those in their first three years, working on innovative early-stage solutions. This year’s focus spans four sectors: Creative Industries, Emerging Technologies, Sustainability and Financial Technology.

Selected participants gain access to tailored incubation and acceleration, expert mentorship, investor exposure, and potential seed funding—equipping founders with the tools to scale.

Speakers at Texpo подчеркнули the need for stronger support systems within Zimbabwe’s startup ecosystem, noting that VCC plays a critical role in bridging the gap between ideas and scalable businesses through hands-on development, market access and capital.

Applications are now open to qualifying entrepreneurs nationwide.