dyton mupawaenda
Herald Reporters
IN celebration of Women’s Month, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) yesterday facilitated a ground-breaking factory tour of National Foods Limited in Harare.
The tour was aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with invaluable insights into large-scale manufacturing processes.
The initiative, organised under CZI’s Women in Industry (WIN) platform, brought together 20 women entrepreneurs and start-up founders from across Zimbabwe.
This experience, which covered the entire milling and pasta production processes, offered participants a rare glimpse into the rigorous standards upheld by one of the country’s largest food producers.
According to CZI, the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and industrial expertise, equipping women with practical knowledge essential for running their own businesses.
“This experience is crucial for women entrepreneurs looking to upscale their businesses. Through seeing first-hand how large manufacturers operate, they can draw inspiration and practical knowledge to apply in their own ventures,” the organisation said.
The tour included comprehensive guidance from industry experts such as Ms Memory Mukaro, the Business Unit Manager for Flour Milling at National Foods, and Ms Rumbidzai Mudonhi, the Research and Development and Quality Control Manager for the pasta division.
Ms Mukaro expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to these enthusiastic women. This initiative is not just about showcasing our processes but inspiring a new generation of suppliers who can contribute to our industry’s growth.”
Participants were walked through every stage of the milling and pasta production process, from wheat reception to final dispatch, offering them exposure to National Foods’ commitment to innovation, scalability and quality control.
CZI chief executive officer Sekai Kuvarika underscored the broader impact of such initiatives, particularly for aspiring suppliers to established corporations like National Foods.
“It is crucial for women to see themselves as potential suppliers to major corporations like National Foods. This tour demonstrates that even small-scale entrepreneurs can aspire to contribute significantly to our economy,” she said.
Mr Michael Lashbrook, group chief executive of National Foods, echoed Ms Kuvarika’s sentiments, highlighting the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and diversifying its supplier base.
“We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. Supporting initiatives like this not only strengthens our supply chain, but enriches our community,” he said.
Mr Lashbrook also noted the immense potential that lies within Zimbabwe’s economy over the coming years.
“If you look 5-10 years ahead, there are tremendous opportunities waiting to be unlocked. The key is to pursue collaborations diligently. When done right, such partnerships can help SMEs scale up quickly and sustainably. Established companies like ours are more than willing to lend support and guidance to emerging entrepreneurs who show promise and determination.”
He emphasised that initiatives like the CZI-led tour serve as building blocks for broader economic growth.
“The synergy between established industries and new entrants can catalyse innovation and efficiency. We want to see more SMEs becoming part of the formal value chain, contributing meaningfully to the economy and generating wealth for their communities,” Mr Lashbrook added.
Participants expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and learn directly from their experiences.
“I never imagined that I could one day supply to a company as big as National Foods. This tour has opened my eyes to the possibilities,” said Ms Sarah Nyathi, an entrepreneur who is into food processing chemicals.
The initiative, however, extended beyond practical learning. It also provided a valuable platform for networking and mentorship, with seasoned professionals offering advice on business scaling, meeting industry standards, and exploring potential partnerships.
Looking ahead, CZI intends to expand the WIN platform’s outreach, incorporating more sectors and regions across Zimbabwe to empower a broader array of women entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is to create an enabling environment where women feel empowered to take on leadership roles in business,” Ms Kuvarika said.
As Zimbabwe continues its quest for economic inclusivity, initiatives like the CZI-led tour serve as vital steps towards fostering a more diverse and resilient business ecosystem.
Through bridging the gap between established industries and aspiring entrepreneurs, collaborations of this nature hold the potential to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
The tour of National Foods stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and collaboration.
As women entrepreneurs continue to receive support through such initiatives, Zimbabwe’s business landscape looks increasingly promising, with fresh opportunities for innovation and growth.
Online Reporter