YES Zimbabwe Arise project
The YES Zimbabwe Arise project, funded by USAID, aims to empower young people in Zimbabwe’s Southern Region to become resilient entrepreneurs. The project addresses mental health and psychosocial challenges such as stress, trauma, lack of self-esteem, and social barriers that limit youth entrepreneurship. Implemented by Regional Psychosocial Support Initiatives (REPSSI), alongside partners Dot Youth, Matobo Youth Development Initiative (MYDI), and Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), it focuses on skill development, business incubation, and policy advocacy. The project is implemented in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Matabeleland North, with a duration of 5 years.
OUR PROGRAMMING
The YES Zimbabwe Arise project aims to empower young people in Zimbabwe’s Southern Region by fostering a resilient and sustainable youth-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem. The purpose is to support youth-owned businesses, enhance their skills, and create opportunities for economic growth. Its objectives include building an enduring ecosystem, providing business incubation, and developing young entrepreneurs' hard and soft skills. The project seeks to address mental health and psychosocial challenges while advocating for policies that promote inclusive growth. It is implemented in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Matabeleland North over a five-year period.
PROGRAMME Approach
The YES Zimbabwe Arise project uses a comprehensive, youth-centered approach to empower young entrepreneurs. This includes identifying and nurturing youth-led businesses through business incubation, skill development, and mentorship. The project focuses on building resilience, addressing mental health and psychosocial challenges, and fostering an inclusive, supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship. It incorporates a smart-cities approach, integrating climate-smart technology and innovation. The initiative also advocates for policies that promote inclusive economic growth. The project is implemented through collaboration with local youth-led organizations and stakeholders in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Matabeleland North.
Intervention
The YES Zimbabwe Arise project uses several interventions aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. These include business incubation, skills development, mentorship, and mental health and psychosocial support. By offering business startup centers and training in both hard and soft skills, the project helps young people build their capacity to run sustainable businesses. It also addresses mental health issues such as stress and lack of self-esteem, which hinder entrepreneurial progress.
What we are learning
Through the implementation of the YES Zimbabwe Arise project, we are gaining valuable insights from REPSSI, the implementing partners, and beneficiaries. REPSSI has recognized the critical role of mental health support in fostering entrepreneurial resilience. Implementing partners have learned the effectiveness of a youth-driven approach and the importance of customized training programs. Beneficiaries are demonstrating increased confidence, improved business skills, and greater adaptability. Overall, we’ve learned that combining business support with mental health interventions is essential for empowering young entrepreneurs and ensuring long-term success in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.