Are you a young entrepreneur in Bulawayo and Mutare Urban/Peri-Urban, leading a green business? Do you have the ambition to take your products to the global market?

• Call for Applications
• Export Readiness Training: Youth Green Transition Project Phase 2
• Deadline: February 15, 2026

1. Introduction

Hivos, in partnership with the local partners, Green Governance Zimbabwe in Mutare and the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation in Bulawayo, is implementing the youth-led Green Transition through Urban Agri-business growth funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe. The project seeks to Empower Urban Youths with the Skills and Knowledge to harness the Economic and Health Dividends of the Green Transition. The project is a build of the Green Transition Project Phase 1 that supported youth-led agro-enterprises, targeting start-ups and entry-level youth green entrepreneurs, and now in Phase 2 focus will be more on established youth-led agribusinesses with a potential for developing products and growth to exploit the export markets. Against this background, we are inviting applications for the Export Readiness Training Program. This initiative is designed to empower youth-led enterprises in the green economy to develop products and brands that can exploit international and export markets.

2. Program Overview

The program provides a tiered capacity-building journey, including:

• Phase 1: Introduction to Export Readiness Training for 30 selected youths (30 Mutare/30 Bulawayo)
• Phase 2: Advanced Technical Training for the top 10 performing youth enterprises (5 per city)
• Phase 3: A Pitching Competition where 5 winners will enter an intensive Mentorship Program and have the possibility to receive a seed grant

3. Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Age: 18 – 35 years
• Location: Residents of Mutare /Bulawayo (Youth enterprise operating within the 30 – 60-kilometre peripheral region are welcome to apply).
• Business Sector: Agriculture value chains (Agro-processing, Horticulture, Agritech, Agri fintech), Waste Management/ Waste Upcycling, or Green Value Addition
• Operational History: The business must have been running for at least 1 year with at least a minimum of 3 operating staff
• Physical Presence: Must have a traceable physical space of operation and proof of concept

4. Terms of reference for youth participants

By applying for this program, the participant agrees to the following terms and conditions;

• Attendance: Commit to attending the full duration of the training phases they are selected for
• Information Disclosure: Provide proof of registration, tax compliance, financial management systems etc
• Active Participation: Participants are expected to engage in all practical exercises (development of an Export Marketing Plan, final pitching session)
• Site Visits: Candidates to allow selection committee to conduct physical site visits to verify business operations

5. Selection & Evaluation Framework

Applications will be scored based on a standard screening matrix focusing on three key pillars:

1. Innovation: How is the model or product unique?
2. Environmental and Social Impact: How does the business contribute to a green transition or circular economy, and does it not bring harm to the community?
3. Export Potential: How is the product/service viable and has possible potential for regional or international markets?

6. Application Requirements

• A completed Application Form (Specific, Business details, Personal Contact Details)
• Company Profile: (includes Team Profile, Catalogue of Products, Bio of Company and Mission, Location of operation, Partners)
• Business Experience: Proof of registration, tax compliance and financial management systems
• Evidence: 2-3 photos or a 1-minute video showcasing your work/products
• Traceable References: At least two professional or business references (name, company, physical address, email and phone number)
• Digital Footprint: Links to business social media pages or website

How to Apply:

Send all application details by completing the application form through the links below:

• Mutare City Link: https://forms.gle/M3RFao7mHN1sfy858 or submit application via email recruitment.greengov@gmail.com
• Bulawayo City Link: https://forms.gle/uxyPDYwj9TYfuL7s9 or submit application via email exportreadinesstraining@gmail.com

7. Key Timelines

NB: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that we reserve the right to close the process early should we identify qualified candidates and fill all available training slots before the deadline. For further inquiries, please contact: Mutare city: recruitment.greengov@gmail.com Bulawayo city: exportreadinesstraining@gmail.com