Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s national agency for trade development and promotion, has been proactively working with businesses to boost their export capabilities and competitiveness.
Committed to supporting small enterprises, ZimTrade has teamed up with Mercy Corps to implement the CEDIS program—an initiative designed to uplift informal and microenterprises, with a strong emphasis on those led by women.
The program targets women-led ventures in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and surrounding rural communities, focusing on key sectors such as agro-processing, waste management, small-scale manufacturing, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and machinery.
Ms Dorcas Mokotore, ZimTrade’s Client Advisor for the Eastern Region, noted that ZimTrade has historically laid a solid foundation for small business development by fostering export readiness and building entrepreneurial capacity.
“That strategy continues to evolve today, enabling enterprises to meet global standards and tap into emerging opportunities,” she said.
To broaden its reach, a symposium was convened, bringing together technical experts, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, investors, and youth organizations. The event served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of innovative approaches to strengthen economic systems that empower women-led businesses.
Ms. Mokotore also highlighted a shift in Zimbabwe’s export dynamics.
“In 2024, minerals and tobacco accounted for 75% of exports. Notably, the United Arab Emirates became Zimbabwe’s leading trading partner at 36%, surpassing South Africa (29%) and China (13%). This change highlights the pressing need to equip small businesses for success in an increasingly complex global marketplace,” said Ms Makotore.
