Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MORE than 30 000 women and youth entrepreneurs across the country have benefited from the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector programme, which officially closes on June 30.
Speaking at the programme’s close-out ceremony in Mutare this afternoon, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the initiative transformed lives and strengthened small businesses.
“I am pleased to note that the programme has directly supported more than 30,000 women and youth across Zimbabwe and has contributed significantly towards the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2,” she said.
The Swedish Government funded the programme, which was implemented by Mercy Corps. It supported enterprises in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and surrounding rural communities through business development, financial inclusion and market access interventions.
Minister Mutsvangwa said women and youth-led enterprises in agro-processing, waste management, renewable energy and manufacturing benefited from skills development and expansion opportunities.
“Women remain central to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation. Through targeted support to women entrepreneurs, women-led cooperatives and women participating in key value chains, CEDIS has demonstrated the important role women play in driving economic growth,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to continue investing in women-owned enterprises and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs beyond the programme.
“The lessons emerging from the CEDIS Programme demonstrate that sustainable development outcomes are achieved when Government, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector and communities work together towards a common goal,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
