Accountability Lab Zimbabwe (ALZ) in partnership with Kubatana Trust of Zimbabwe and Magamba Network is set to launch the accountability incubator flagship program to nurture and develop young civic leaders and social entrepreneurs with innovative ideas on building sustainable and practical tools for accountability, participation and open government.
The program will be launched this Wednesday.
In a press statement, ALZ said in this cohort they will recruit 10 accountability entrepreneurs or accountapreneurs.
“The incubator is a year-long acceleration and mentorship program that provides a non- prescriptive, supportive environment for creative, enterprising individuals with innovative ideas that will inspire accountability in their communities,” read the statement.
“Selected accountapreneurs will receive comprehensive hands-on support including training, knowledge, network building, fundraising and brand development. Accountapreneurs will also have access to working space, equipment and internet as well as the Lab’s global training and networking opportunities”.
ALZ said they are looking to support new ideas that foster accountability beyond fighting corruption as well as innovative solutions that promote integrity and ethical behaviour within public institutions and communities.
“This includes, but is not limited to, ideas that improve access to information on issues of service delivery and governance at the local or national level.
“The lab will also be keen to consider initiatives that address issues to do with socioeconomic rights, that enhance the exercise of Civic and political right and that address natural resource exploitation and governance.
“It is also eager to consider ideas that utilize arts and culture to promote Civic engagement and participation of young people, women, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups in governance processes. It aims to recruit young Zimbabweans and ventures working to promote accountability in their communities. Initiatives may be for profit, non -profit, hybrid or yet to be decided.”
ALZ said selected individuals will adhere to Covid-19 protocols including testing for all physical interactions.
“The inaugural class of Accountapreneurs will benefit from a hybrid approach to the Incubator’s training that will have both face-to-face and virtual activities. For any, and all physical interactions, it will adhere to COVID-19 protocols including testing of participants, sanitizing and social distancing,” read the statement.
“The Accountability Lab believes that young innovative Zimbabweans hold the key to addressing the country’s myriad of challenges, especially in the areas of governance and development. So instead of coming with prescriptions and imposing them on communities, the Lab is flipping the script, and supporting young people to effectively implement their own innovative initiatives in their communities”.
The Lab believes that ongoing challenges such as lack of participation of young people in governance issues, corruption and lack of accountability in public institutions can be addressed if young people innovate and lead the development of solutions at local and community level,” said the Lab.
ApplicationS are now open and the deadline for application is 15 November 2020.
