Zanzibar — YOUTHS in Zanzibar have been challenged to be innovative and creative should they need to become successful entrepreneurs in the future.

The advice was given by facilitators at a youths' entrepreneurship week workshop held at the Zanzibar Ocean View Hotel, asking them to change by putting into practice their talents and realize their potential.

Mr Omar Said Shaaban, Deputy Chairperson of Zanzibar Association for Youth Education and Empowerment (ZAYEE), organisers of the workshop, said that development of entrepreneurs is hampered by lack of innovation and creativeness.

"It is through creativity and innovation that we can have serious entrepreneurs to contribute to a vibrant economy and fight against poverty," Mr Shaaban said at the workshop that aimed at providing skills and knowledge on how to solicit for start-up funds for projects.

Dr Mohamed Hafidh, workshop facilitator, asked the youths to use the knowledge from the gathering to start ventures which would help them get out of poverty and contribute to national development.

Dr Hafidh encouraged youths to be creative and try to access loans to start businesses, stressing that charging interests in business is illegal and unacceptable. "You should avoid charging people with interests in whatever ventures you will undertake because it may lead to poverty," he said.

"Our theme for this year is Amsha Uwezo Wako. This means awaken your potential. It is high time young people start realizing the need to start doing something," he said. During the entrepreneurs' week, thousands of activities around the world inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activities while connecting them to potential mentors, collaborators and investors.