Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
Women-led micro, small and medium enterprises are critical drivers of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, yet they continue to face barriers that demand urgent and coordinated support, Government has said.
Speaking at the CEDIS Agro-Processing and Small-Scale Manufacturing Technical Specialists Round Table Discussion in Harare yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda, called for increased support to women-led MSMEs, citing their critical role in driving Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
“We must acknowledge the persistent barriers that entrepreneurs continue to face, which include quality control and standards compliance, limited access to finance, market access constraints and technology and equipment gaps,” she said.
She said the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) programme had reached 18 890 women entrepreneurs, including 4 589 in agro-processing and 14 301 in small-scale manufacturing.
“This is not a small achievement; it signifies livelihoods improved, resilient economic ecosystems established, families supported and communities strengthened,” she said.
Dr Sibanda commended partners such as Mercy Corps, the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and ZIMTRADE for supporting the initiative.
She noted that the programme shifted from direct implementation to a Market Systems Development approach, which promotes private sector leadership and long-term sustainability.
“The approach addresses root causes of market failures while fostering innovation and resilience within local economies,” she said.
Despite the progress, Dr Sibanda highlighted persistent challenges facing MSMEs, including limited access to finance, inadequate technology and difficulties in meeting quality and certification standards required by formal markets.
She said women entrepreneurs were disproportionately affected due to a lack of collateral, high interest rates and limited financial literacy.
“These challenges require collective action, deliberate policy change and long-term commitment,” she said.
Dr Sibanda said the programme aligns with the country’s National Development Strategy, which focuses on inclusive growth, value chain development, industrialisation and an agro-processing revolution.
She urged financial institutions, business development service providers and private sector players to scale up support through mentorship, funding and market access initiatives targeting women-led enterprises.
She said Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure development and institutional strengthening.
“The empowerment of 18 890 women is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, innovation and inclusive development,” Dr Sibanda said.
