Hosted by ZimTrade, the third edition of the Next She Exporter Programme Awards was a grand celebration of Zimbabwean women entrepreneurs and their achievements in international trade.
Held at the Golden Conifer in Harare, the prestigious high tea and awards ceremony saw distinguished figures, including Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. Margret Verwijk, and German Embassy Deputy Ambassador, Christian Oelfke.
The event was nothing short of regal, as women entrepreneurs arrived dressed as royalty, embracing the spirit of the occasion. Adding to the glamour, celebrated musician Selmor Mtukudzi and her band delivered a captivating performance that kept the audience entertained.
The ceremony opened with a vibrant fashion showcase featuring three local designers who are alumni of the Next She Exporter Programme. Among them was Ruby Zinyau, whose brand, Designs by Ruby, impressed attendees with a wearable collection crafted from locally printed fabric.
The exhibition stands also provided a platform for businesses from various industries to showcase their products and services.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador A. R. Chimbindi, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, commended the women entrepreneurs for their resilience and innovation. He highlighted the importance of women’s participation in Zimbabwe’s economic development, aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).
“Your innovative spirit and ability to transform challenges into opportunities embody the very essence of Zimbabwe,” said Chimbindi. “You are not merely entrepreneurs; you are the architects of our nation’s future.”
The government, through its devolution agenda, is actively working to dismantle systemic barriers to ensure that women-led businesses flourish across all provinces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is also supporting these businesses through economic diplomacy, creating market linkages and trade promotion opportunities.
Financial accessibility remains a key challenge for women entrepreneurs. However, ZimTrade has engaged financial institutions like Nedbank to develop gender-responsive funding models, ensuring that female business owners have access to affordable capital.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents immense opportunities for Zimbabwean women in business, with government efforts focused on eliminating trade barriers and fostering partnerships. Recent successes include a delegation of Zimbabwean women in agribusiness securing partnerships in Dubai, thanks to the support of the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UAE.
The adress concluded with a powerful call to action from Chimbindi, urging women entrepreneurs to seize global opportunities. “The world is waiting for you. Whether in agriculture, mining, textiles, or technology, your ideas and products have a rightful place on the global stage.”
Zimbabwean women are increasingly participating in the economy driving its transformation, shaping the future of trade, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The “Next She Exporter” program, an initiative by ZimTrade, aims to empower Zimbabwean women entrepreneurs by providing capacity development opportunities to transform their businesses into international enterprises.
