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Art Correspondent
Some of the country’s top creatives are battling it out with business start-ups and environmental champions for the four top spots of the Value Creation Challenge (VCC).

Run by Eight2Five Innovation Hub with support from Old Mutual in partnership with British Council, VCC announced a list of 50 finalists selected from a large pool of submissions.

Most notable on the list of which includes comedians, online content creators, and filmmakers is Blessing Fire, who has become an inspiration through his initiative, ‘Street Light’ in which he uses the internet to expose emerging creatives some of which are disabled as he is.

A dancer who only started walking after being introduced to the art, BBoy Christyles, as Blessing Fire is affectionately known, is ecstatic about being considered outstanding applicants.

“It’s encouraging to be selected among the finalists,” he said. “It’s however nerve-wracking as we are still a long way to go to the top four spots who will get funding for their initiatives”.

Other shortlisted artistes include rising filmmaker Derby Bheta of the Wadiwa Wepamoyo fame, comedians Victor Mpofu a.k.a Doc Vikela and Prosper Ngomashi a.k.a Comic Pastor and Aurra Kawanzaruwa.

“Businesses and startups from across Zimbabwe that provide innovative and sustainable solutions to socio-economic and environmental challenges were invited to apply,” said Eight2Five Innovation Hub’s Pedzi Chimbwanda.

“Applications were received from the fields of Data Analytics, Emerging Technology, Digital Content Creation, Climate Action and Young and Funky.

“After going through a rigorous selection process, it is with great pleasure that we announce the top 50 contestants for the Value Creation Challenge 2021 edition.

“After reviewing several applications, we have identified the most innovative and compelling to proceed to the next stage.”

Eight2Five is an innovative hub that partners with entrepreneurs to achieve a shared vision of solving real-world and business problems through technology.

The VCC is their initiative established to support young people in transforming business practices through digital solutions, access to skills, and platforms to network and advance together in communities.