Women entrepreneurs eye export market. . . 44 attend ZimTrade’s ‘Next She Exporter’ training

ZIMTRADE has started training for its third season “Next She Exporter” with about 44 women from the Matabeleland region participating as they hope to explore the export market.

In 2021, ZimTrade launched the revolutionary Next She Exporter programme, which sought to train women entrepreneurs for export readiness.

The Next She Exporter programme is a ZimTrade initiative designed to empower women-owned businesses in exports by providing them with comprehensive technical and financial capacity, from local and international experts. Close to 300 women across the country have benefited from the programme with some already exporting to the region and beyond.

Last week, ZimTrade conducted a three-day training in Bulawayo at Mavuna Lodge, and the event was attended by women entrepreneurs from different sectors. ZimTrade Matabeleland region manager Mrs Jacqueline Nyathi said the Next She Exporter programme has empowered women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, enabling them to become successful exporters.

This has been achieved by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate and thrive in the export market. Through comprehensive training and development initiatives, the programme has helped women entrepreneurs build their capacity to produce goods and services that meet international standards.

ZimTrade conducted a three-day training programme at Mavuna Lodge in Bulawayo

Additionally, the ZimTrade Next She Exporter programme has facilitated access to regional and international markets by connecting participants with potential buyers and trade networks.

“This access has been crucial in expanding their businesses beyond the local market and achieving sustainable growth,” said Mrs Nyathi.

The programme has also provided opportunities for mentorship and networking, offering opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, other entrepreneurs, and trade facilitators.

In an interview, one of the participants, Ms Nomandla Ncube, who is into clothing, said the first day of her training was an eye-opener. She expressed optimism that she would penetrate the export market.

“I’m happy that ZimTrade came up with this programme as it is going to open our minds. Today I have learnt that I can use social media platforms to reach a wide market and other things which include branding and packaging for the international market,” she said.

The facilitator, Mr Keith Heywood said while women believe in what they are doing, the challenge remains in transitioning from doing entrepreneurship as a passion to doing it as a business.

“This has seen them failing to put up systems in terms of how to produce their products and sell them, the accounting and running of the whole business, which is the gap Next She Exporter is trying to close,” he said.

“We have seen a lot of traction; women are willing to learn and some have companies, which are now formally running. In due course, we will see these women entrepreneurs exporting, but most of them are exporting informally.” – chroncile