Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for women-led enterprises, as momentum builds behind export-oriented programmes aimed at integrating more women into global trade.
Speaking at the NEXT-She-Exporter High Tea event organised by ZimTrade in Harare,Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi said the Government’s policy thrust is anchored on inclusive economic development.
Ambassador Chimbindi said authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle structural barriers that have historically excluded women from participating meaningfully in international commerce.
The remarks come as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise export diversification and inclusive growth under broader economic transformation strategies, with women increasingly seen as a critical driver of industrialisation and foreign currency generation.
The NEXT She-Exporter programme, a flagship initiative spearheaded by ZimTrade, is at the centre of these efforts.
Designed to equip women-owned businesses with the tools needed to penetrate international markets, the programme focuses on technical capacity building, mentorship and global market linkages.
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has empowered over 400 women entrepreneurs across key sectors including horticulture, food processing, clothing and textiles and sustainable crafts and crafts.
The programme targets businesses that are wholly female-owned or those with at least 51 percent female ownership, ensuring that women remain primary beneficiaries of export development opportunities.
Participants undergo a structured one-year training journey comprising 13 modules covering critical areas such as branding, financial management and digital marketing ,key pillars for building competitive export-ready enterprises.
