This initiative addresses the pressing issues of youth unemployment, food insecurity, and environmental degradation by cultivating an ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can build profitable and sustainable agribusiness ventures.
Project Objectives
- Empower 500+ Zanzibari youth (ages 18–35) with agribusiness skills and startup support.
- Promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture using modern farming techniques and green technology.
- Facilitate access to markets through cooperative models, digital platforms, and agro-tourism.
- Build a Zanzibar Youth Agribusiness Incubation Hub (ZYAIH) to serve as a center of training, innovation, and mentorship.
Why Zanzibar?
- Over 60% of Zanzibar’s population is under the age of 25.
- Agriculture employs nearly 70% of Zanzibaris but contributes just 30% of GDP due to outdated practices.
- Youth unemployment is at alarming levels, with few viable career paths outside tourism or informal trade.
Zanzibar has fertile land, rich biodiversity, and an emerging market for organic and value-added products — yet youth remain disengaged from agriculture. Roots of Prosperity bridges this gap through training, access to tools, and real business opportunities.
Project Components
Youth Agribusiness Bootcamps
- Hands-on training in sustainable farming, agribusiness planning, and digital tools.
- 10 bootcamps across Unguja and Pemba (reaching rural and urban youth).
Startup Grants & Microfinance Access
- Grants of $1,000–$5,000 per youth-led enterprise.
- Partnerships with local credit unions to extend micro-loans and savings options.
Zanzibar Youth Agribusiness Innovation Hub (ZYAIH)
- Equipped with greenhouse demos, hydroponics labs, soil testing, and co-working spaces.
- Hosts monthly “Pitch Days” for youth to attract investors and NGOs.
Market Access Accelerator
- Digital platform for youth agripreneurs to sell produce locally and internationally.
- Partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and exporters for consistent supply chains.
Sustainability & Climate Action
- Promotion of climate-smart farming (composting, bio-fertilizers, permaculture).
- Reforestation efforts integrated with agroforestry education.
Budget Overview (3-Year Plan)
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Youth Bootcamps (training, materials) | $120,000 |
| Grants to Youth-led Startups | $250,000 |
| Innovation Hub Construction & Setup | $180,000 |
| Digital Platform & Market Access | $60,000 |
| Staffing & Mentorship Program | $90,000 |
| Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning | $40,000 |
| Marketing & Community Outreach | $30,000 |
| Sustainability Projects (agroforestry, climate tools) | $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $820,000 |
Impact Goals by Year 3
- 500+ youth trained in profitable, sustainable agribusiness.
- 200+ youth-run agri-enterprises launched, from spice farming to eco-agri-tourism.
- 30% income increase for program participants.
- 50,000+ trees planted through youth-led reforestation and agroforestry.
- Creation of Zanzibar’s first Agribusiness Hub fully managed by youth cooperatives.
Call for Action
Join us in planting the seeds for Zanzibar’s future.
Are you a development partner, donor agency,
investor, or advocate for youth empowerment?
Your support can help turn dreams into
fields of opportunity.
We invite:
- Funding partners to invest in youth-led innovation.
- NGOs & governments to scale the model across the region.
- Private sector partners to create market linkages.
- Mentors & educators to inspire the next generation.