By Tendai Chisiri

POTRAZ boss urges innovators to monitise their innovnations
Speaking on the occassion of the certification ceremony of Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training in Harare, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director general Dr. Gift Machengete said there was need to monitise innovation.
”Iis pointless to be an innovator in this demanding economy, if you cannot monetise the innovations. While we endeavour to solve national problems through innovation, whatever you come up with should also solve your personal problems by lining your pockets with mone”, Machengete said.
”This is where entrepreneurship and business sustainability training come in handy – we do not want to see you pushing a cart in down-town Harare showcasing your brilliant innovation for handouts because you would have failed to monetise it, rather we want to see you creating business empires, creating employment and contributing meaningfully to Vision 2030”.
The certification ceremony came following the completion of the Improve Your Business training by 42 of POTRAZ innovators. This was a follow up training to the Start Your Business Training held earlier in the year and attended by the same number of participants. It was attended by epresentatives from the International Labour Organisation Global Office remotely among others.
”Entrepreneurship training plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of aspiring business owners and innovators. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards success in the often complex and challenging world of entrepreneurship. Innovation alone is not always sufficient, it requires the nurturing and cultivation provided by structured training programs to blossom into sustainable and thriving enterprises. These programs not only provide invaluable knowledge and skills but also instil the confidence and resilience necessary to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship”, he stated.
Machengete commended the Start Your Business training as a resounding success and its transitioning to the Improve Your Business module represents a commitment to continuous learning and growth, essential elements for staying competitive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
”The Improve Your Business training is designed to enhance operational efficiencies, improve marketing and sales strategies, and prepare participants for market expansion. The aim of the training is to provide advanced skills in business development, ensuring the growth and sustainability of your ventures. I am advised the program covered critical topics such as advanced marketing techniques, effective inventory management, sophisticated record keeping, and strategic cost management”, he revealed.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), through the Universal Service Fund, is committed to supporting the growth of innovative ICT solutions that contribute to economic growth and job creation. m”Our support for this program underscores our commitment to not only fostering innovation but malso ensuring that such innovation translates .into tangible business success’, Machengete said.
He encouraged each and everyone to engage deeply with the training, apply the lessonslearned, and continuously seek ways to innovate and improve. ”Networking, collaboration, and practical application of skills learned are crucial as you move forward”, he highlighted.
”Thank you for your dedication and hard work. I look forward to seeing how each of you will apply these advanced skills to lead your businesses to new heights. Your success stories are what will drive us to continue enhancing our support frameworks for innovators across Zimbabwe”, he concluded his speech.
