ZFU Launches Inaugural Village Business Unit Competition to Drive Rural Industrialisation

By Faith Chimutsa

The Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) has officially launched the inaugural Village Business Unit (VBU) Competition, a landmark initiative aimed at accelerating rural industrialisation, promoting entrepreneurship, and transforming farming communities into thriving centres of economic activity.

Speaking at the official launch, ZFU president Dr. Joram Jawi described the competition as a significant step towards empowering rural communities through enterprise development and collective farmer action. The competition is being held under the theme, “Driving Rural Industrialisation Through Village Business Units.”

Dr. Jawi said the initiative seeks to unlock the vast economic potential that exists within Zimbabwe’s rural communities by encouraging farmers to move beyond primary production and embrace value addition, business innovation, and market-oriented agriculture.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey aimed at empowering farmers, strengthening rural economies, and unlocking the full potential of our villages as vibrant centres of enterprise and innovation,” he said.

The Village Business Unit concept, which has been rolled out by the Ministry of Agriculture, has emerged as a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The model promotes the establishment of community-based business enterprises that enhance productivity, create employment opportunities, and increase household incomes in rural areas.

He said the Zimbabwe Farmers Union fully supports the Government’s VBU programme, noting that the initiative is already delivering tangible benefits to farmers across the country.

“As a Union, we have embraced the Village Business Unit concept because we see it enhancing, promoting and growing rural businesses. We are already witnessing positive impacts among our members and farming communities,” he said.

The competition is expected to encourage healthy competition among farmers and rural enterprises while showcasing innovative business models that can be replicated across the country. Through the programme, participants will be challenged to develop sustainable enterprises that contribute to local economic growth and national development.

He emphasised that success in agriculture and rural development requires collaboration among stakeholders, citing the Shona proverb, “Chara chimwe hachitswanyi inda,” which highlights the importance of collective effort and unity.

“The proverb reminds us that meaningful development can only be achieved when communities, institutions, and development partners work together towards a common goal,” he added.

He commended the Ministry of Agriculture for spearheading the Village Business Unit initiative and expressed appreciation to the competition’s sole sponsor, Clipub trading as Untapped Africa, for supporting the programme.

“This event would not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and our sponsor. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to empowering rural communities and advancing agricultural development,” he said.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to food security, exports, and industrial growth. Mr Zakariya noted that initiatives such as the Village Business Unit Competition align with national efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency, promote rural industrialisation, and realise the country’s Vision 2030 development aspirations.

Speaking at the same occasion ZFU Secretary General Paul Zakariya said the competition would motivate farmers to adopt a business mindset, improve their entrepreneurial skills, and explore opportunities in value addition and agro-processing.

“This competition will inspire farmers to go beyond production, strengthen their business acumen, and access viable markets. It is about transforming agriculture into a profitable and sustainable business that improves livelihoods and drives economic growth,” he said.

The launch signals a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s efforts to modernise agriculture and stimulate rural economic development.

By recognising and rewarding innovation, enterprise, and collaboration at the village level, the VBU Competition is expected to become a catalyst for inclusive growth and prosperity in farming communities across the country.

Officially launching the competition, Mr Zakariya expressed confidence that the programme would help build resilient and economically vibrant rural communities capable of contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s agricultural and industrial transformation.

“With great honour and privilege, I officially declare the inaugural Village Business Unit Competition launched,” he said.

The competition is expected to attract participation from farmers, cooperatives, and rural enterprises from across Zimbabwe, showcasing the transformative power of agriculture-led rural industrialisation.