Project Overview

Roots of Prosperity is a youth-centered agribusiness empowerment initiative aimed at transforming Zanzibar's agricultural sector into a thriving, innovation-driven engine of economic growth. The project connects young Zanzibaris with modern agricultural techniques, green technology, and market access while preserving Zanzibar’s rich agricultural heritage.

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.

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• Agriculture employs nearly 70% of Zanzibaris but contributes just 30% of GDP due to outdated practices.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.