ZWMB Unveils Digital Platform to Boost Women Entrepreneurs

A life changing occurrance took place on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Monomotapa Hotel in Harare when the Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) took a major step towards financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women by launching allWomen.co.zw, a digital platform designed to support female entrepreneurs.

The event, backed by UN Women which was represented by Mr Simba Moyo, was attended by key business people, Members of Parliament Daniel Mulokeli and Juliana Makivire, Councillor Sandra Ndebele, and members of Young Women 4ED, and more key stakeholders.

Addressing the audience, ZWMB CEO Dr. Mandas Marikanda spoke about the bank’s commitment to transforming women’s economic opportunities. “We have built a legacy of resilience, innovation, and dedication,” she stated, emphasizing how the bank’s tailored financial solutions have helped women-led businesses thrive.

Under her leadership, ZWMB has expanded its reach, equipping women with the tools to overcome financial barriers and take advantage of new opportunities.

Overall, ZWMB’s initiative aligns with global trends in women empowerment by leveraging digital tools, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting economic independence. These efforts collectively contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for women.

Digital platforms are becoming essential tools for business growth and connectivity, enabling easier access to resources, markets, and networks. Initiatives like this set a precedent and can inspire similar programs around the world to leverage technology for empowering women economically.

It’s exciting to see such innovative steps being taken to foster economic independence and growth for women in Zimbabwe.

The allWomen.co.zw digital platform offers numerous benefits to women entrepreneurs, aligning with global trends and fostering an environment for growth and innovation. Here are some of the key expected benefits:

Enhanced Networking Opportunities: The central MSME database helps women entrepreneurs connect with potential partners, investors, and mentors, fostering collaboration and growth.

Improved Financial Transactions: The integrated retail payment system streamlines financial transactions, making it easier for women to manage their business finances efficiently.

Increased Market Access: The online marketplace provides a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, connecting them with a broader customer base.

Access to Funding Opportunities: The MSME quota ensures that women have better access to business opportunities and funding, which can help them scale their enterprises.

Support for Digital Presence: Assistance with digital storefronts and social media marketing enables women to expand their reach and visibility, attracting more customers and growing their businesses.

Economic Empowerment: By providing the necessary tools and resources, the platform empowers women to overcome financial barriers and seize new economic opportunities.

Capacity Building: The platform offers support for ongoing development and mentorship, helping women enhance their skills and knowledge to succeed in the business world.

Alignment with Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations like Co-ops Africa and government agencies enhances financial accessibility and creates a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

Digital Transformation: The platform acts as a catalyst for digital transformation, enabling women to leverage technology for business growth and innovation.

Overally this platform is poised to create a supportive and enabling environment for women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe, driving economic resilience and digital innovation.

Collaborations can be incredibly powerful in fostering innovation and expansion. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, women entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights and ideas that drive growth by:

Gaining access to New Markets: Collaborating with other businesses or organizations can help women entrepreneurs reach new customer bases and expand their market presence.

Resource Sharing: Partnerships can provide access to shared resources, such as funding, technology, and expertise, which can be crucial for business growth.

Innovation and Creativity: Working with others can spark new ideas and innovative solutions that may not have been discovered independently.

Networking Opportunities: Collaborations often lead to expanded networks, connecting women entrepreneurs with potential investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Through partnerships, women can learn new skills and gain knowledge from their collaborators, enhancing their own capabilities.

Increased Visibility: Collaborating with well-known brands or organizations can boost the visibility and credibility of women-led businesses.

Supportive Community: Building a network of collaborators creates a supportive community where women entrepreneurs can share experiences, challenges, and successes.

Cross-Promotion: Collaborators can engage in cross-promotion, helping each other’s businesses reach a wider audience through combined marketing efforts.

The allWomen.co.zwplatform seems well-positioned to facilitate these kinds of collaborations, creating a dynamic ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive and innovate together. It’s truly inspiring to see such initiatives taking shape.