Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Reporter
POWER shortages and limited access to markets have been identified as significant, cross-cutting challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa with calls for leaders to explore alternative sources of power to foster the growth of women-owned businesses that have demonstrated substantial contributions to economic development.
This was highlighted during a recent visit by UN Women’s Regional Deputy Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr Adama Moussa, to the Bulawayo SME Maker Space Centre in Bulawayo.
During the visit, he toured the facilities to appreciate their operations, challenges and potential areas for growth.
“Challenges vary from country to country in Africa, but one common issue we see here is energy access. It’s not that we lack energy, but that the capacity to generate and scale up production remains limited,” Mr Moussa said.
Mr Alexander Mutumwa, founder of Prezander Pvt Ltd in Bulawayo that manufactures protective wear for local industries, shared his experience, citing power outages as a major obstacle to his business.
“Our biggest challenge is unreliable power supply. We often receive large orders, but when the power goes out, we can’t fulfil them on time. Our clients understand delays, but it affects our reputation and delivery schedules,” he said.
He emphasised that the downtime puts immense pressure on his small business, often leading to the loss of market opportunities as industry clients source products informally elsewhere.
Mr Moussa noted that such issues diminish the credibility of women-owned SMEs and stressed the importance of securing alternative power sources to support their growth.
Another common challenge discussed was market access. Mr Moussa highlighted the need for greater support in public procurement, enabling women entrepreneurs to compete effectively at national and international levels.
“Supporting women in accessing tenders and contracts, including Government procurement opportunities, is vital. Public-Private Partnerships can also play a role in showcasing these businesses and opening markets for them,” he said.
He underscored the importance of Government support and domestic financing in empowering women-led businesses.
“This visit has been an eye-opener. UN Women’s investment in initiatives like the Maker Space has helped women entrepreneurs in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe access markets beyond the country’s borders. The key is strong marketing and forming strategic partnerships,” Mr Moussa added.
He expressed confidence that this experience will help UN Women expand its support programmes and seek further backing for women-led organisations.
“Women-owned businesses are crucial drivers of sustainable development both locally and regionally.
Investing in women means investing in resilient families, communities, and economies,” he noted.
Mr Moussa also called on the Government to implement gender-affirmative procurement systems to support women entrepreneurs, emphasising that consistency in production is critical for inclusion at such levels.
Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Mr Kiven Mutimbanyoka, highlighted a pending bill aimed at establishing such procurement policies, stressing the need for SMEs to meet market demands effectively.
“We want legislation that not only protects SMEs but also ensures they can compete and satisfy market requirements,” he said.
“Our Government appreciates the support from UN Women, which has helped improve skills, provided machinery and empowered women to sustain their livelihoods.”
He added that the Government remains committed to further supporting women-owned businesses through upskilling initiatives and resource provision.
Mr Nketa Dlamini, Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs Coordinator, stated that UN Women’s incubation initiative has enhanced capacity building for women entrepreneurs.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Mr Paul Nyoni highlighted ongoing efforts to formalize local businesses.
“The intervention by UN Women has equipped women with skills and modern equipment, creating a safe and productive space for growth. We are also working to address energy supply issues in collaboration with local authorities,” he said.
