FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Harare, Zimbabwe
30th June 2025
Stimulus Africa returns once again to lead the design and delivery of the Old Mutual Value Creation Challenge (VCC), a flagship nationwide entrepreneurship program now entering its 5th cycle in 2025. This partnership will see 20 promising entrepreneurs guided through the Stimulus PAP Business Modelling Framework Incubation programme designed to help them grow their businesses over an intensive (3) three-month incubation period.
The 2025 edition of the Old Mutual Value Creation Challenge (VCC), led by Eight2Five Innovation Hub, is powered by Old Mutual and supported by key partners including the British Council, British Embassy, ZADT, SNV, Swiss Embassy, Delta Corporation, and the Embassy of Sweden.
Marking five years of success, the VCC platform has supported startups throughout Zimbabwe by offering essential business incubation training, business coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities, and seed funding to early-stage ventures with market-ready solutions, in partnership with Stimulus Africa.
In the 2025 edition, selected entrepreneurs will participate in a rigorous incubation journey structured around the Stimulus PAP Business Modelling Framework, designed to equip them with the skills and strategies needed to scale their micro-enterprises. The program will culminate in a final pitch event in September 2025, where top participants will compete for seed funding to accelerate their business growth further.
VCC 2025 Timeline:
- Business Clinic Tour: 17 March – 10 May
- Application Process: 15 April – 31 May
- Vetting & Selection 01 June – 20 June
- Top 40 Announcement: 24 June
- Bootcamp: 14 June – 18 July
- Top 20 Announcement: 18 July
- Incubation Phase: 18 July – 26 September
- Demo Day: 25 September
- Final Pitch Day: 26 September
The VCC platform focuses on four key pillars: Innovative Tech, Creative Industries, Emerging Industries, and Sustainability. Applicants must be Zimbabwean citizens, above 18 years old, and own their business or idea. Businesses should be no older than three years and aligned with one of the four pillars.
“Stimulus Africa is proud to continue our partnership with Old Mutual’s Eight2Five Hub under the Value Creation Challenge, helping entrepreneurs realise viability in thier micro-enteprirses,” said Rudo Nyangulu-Mungofa, Executive Direcotor at Stimulus Africa. “Through our PAP Business Modelling Framework, we aim to empower the participating startups with practical tools for sustainable growth success.”
As VCC marks its 5th anniversary, it continues to be a beacon of opportunity for Zimbabwe’s vibrant startup ecosystem, fostering innovation, economic growth, and job creation.
For more information or to apply, visit [https://vcc.co.zw].
