A dynamic gathering of women entrepreneurs and corporate buyers convened at The Country Club in Newlands, for the Women Owned Business Trust (WOBT) Buyers Breakfast Meeting which was backed by UN Women where they took a step towards bolstering women’s economic empowerment in Zimbabwe.
The platform, held on February 27, 2025, was designed to facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and procurement possibilities for women-led enterprises.
As part of women’s month celebrations, the meeting featured compelling business pitches from entrepreneurs such as Vimbai Tshuma of STEPS, operating in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Maureen Chitewe of Chitewe Law Practice, and Nyari Muzira of Dynamite Construction company. Their presentations showcased the creativity and perseverance of women in Zimbabwe’s business landscape.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honorable Monica Mutsvangwa (Senator), in a speech delivered by Permanent Secretary Mavis Sibanda, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. She outlined strategic initiatives such as gender-responsive procurement policies, capacity building, and enhanced financial access. “When women are empowered, they invest in their families, communities, and countries, creating a ripple effect of growth and development,” she remarked.
Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhhlukula, founder and Chairperson of WOBT, recounted her inspiring journey of establishing SECURICO 25 years ago, transforming it from a humble kitchen-based startup into a leading security services provider.
She emphasized the importance of platforms like WOBT in connecting women to potential buyers and promoting company growth.
There were buyers from major corporations, including Dairiboard Holdings, The Country Club, Cresta, and Delta Corporation, who provided insights into their supplier engagement strategies. They stressed the importance of quality, reliability, and innovation in their procurement decisions.
Zandile Zaza Ndlovu, the Director of Ceremonies, shared her testimony on how WOBT has profoundly impacted her business. The gathering facilitated valuable networking, enabling women to exchange experiences and forge strategic partnerships.
The meeting ended with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding businesses for their contributions. Dr. Sibanda and Mrs. Julia Mapungwana, Director of Women Affairs, presented the awards, honoring the achievements of women entrepreneurs.
The importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors as well as civil society in promoting women’s economic empowerment was emphasized during the WOBT Buyers Breakfast Meeting. It reaffirmed how important women-owned enterprises are to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
I would love to be a member of WOBT.
It’s encouraging to see women entrepreneurs, making it in the business world .
[…] the past 25 years, Delta Corporation has been helping rural schools across Zimbabwe by building new classrooms and improving learning […]