THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for women-led enterprises, as momentum builds behind export-oriented programmes aimed at integrating more women into global trade.
Speaking at the NEXT-She-Exporter High Tea event organised by ZimTrade in Harare on Friday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said the Government’s policy thrust is anchored on inclusive economic development.
Secretary Ambassador Chimbindi said authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle structural barriers that have historically excluded women from participating meaningfully in international commerce.
The remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise export diversification and inclusive growth under broader economic transformation strategies, with women increasingly seen as a critical driver of industrialisation and foreign currency generation. Zimbabwe business news
The NEXT She-Exporter programme, a flagship initiative spearheaded by ZimTrade, is at the centre of these efforts.
Designed to equip women-owned businesses with the tools needed to penetrate international markets, the programme focuses on technical capacity building, mentorship and global market linkages.
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has empowered over 400 women entrepreneurs across key sectors including horticulture, food processing, clothing and textiles and sustainable crafts and crafts.
The programme targets businesses that are wholly female-owned or those with at least 51 percent female ownership, ensuring that women remain primary beneficiaries of export development opportunities.
Participants undergo a structured one-year training journey comprising 13 modules covering critical areas such as branding, financial management and digital marketing, key pillars for building competitive export-ready enterprises.
“As Government, we remain fully committed to fostering an enabling environment in which women-led enterprises can thrive, in line with the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Our policies are aimed at addressing structural barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in trade, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
“As we celebrate the fourth cohort of the NEXT She-Exporter Programme, we are not simply marking a milestone, we are pushing forward a bold agenda — one that puts women right at the heart of trade, industrialisation and economic change,” said Ambassador Chimbindi.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said the programme is deliberately designed to reposition women as central players in trade and industrial development.
“As we celebrate the fourth cohort of the NEXT She Exporter programme, we are not simply marking a milestone, we are pushing forward a bold agenda, one that puts women right at the heart of trade, industrialization, and economic change,” said Mr Majuru.
Financial institutions are also stepping up support, recognising the growing role of women-led enterprises in economic development.
Nedbank Zimbabwe said it is complementing such initiatives through tailored financial solutions aimed at easing access to capital for women entrepreneurs. Zimbabwe business news
Nedbank Zimbabwe Limited executive head of treasury, marketing and corporate affairs Latifa Kassim said her organisation’s support framework includes SME-focused banking products, digital financial services and flexible financing options.
“At Nedbank Zimbabwe, our commitment to women entrepreneurs extends well beyond this programme. We support women-led businesses through tailored SME banking solutions, accessible transactional accounts, digital banking tools and a range of planning solutions, from short-term finance of up to 12 months to medium-term facilities extending up to 54 months,” she said.
Increased participation of women in export markets could significantly boost Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings while promoting inclusive growth, particularly in underserved communities.
With sustained policy backing, targeted capacity building and improved access to finance, women-led enterprises are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the country’s export landscape.-herald
