Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the handicraft industry as part of broader efforts to promote economic empowerment, job creation and rural industrialisation.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Deputy Minister Cde Kiven Mutimbanyoka made the remarks during a tour of the National Handicraft Centre (NHC) in Harare on Wednesday.
The visit formed part of the ministry’s ongoing assessment of institutions under its mandate and efforts to identify ways of enhancing support for women, community groups and small businesses involved in handicraft production.
During the tour, Deputy Minister Mutimbanyoka met management and staff at the centre and received updates on programmes aimed at expanding access to both local and international markets for Zimbabwean handicrafts.
He commended the centre’s role in promoting locally produced crafts and creating economic opportunities for artisans across the country.
The National Handicraft Centre, a Government-owned institution established in 1989, serves as a key marketing and distribution platform for handicrafts produced by artisans from different provinces.
The centre facilitates the collection, promotion and sale of traditional crafts while linking community-based producers to domestic and export markets.
Speaking during the visit, Cde Mutimbanyoka said the handicraft sector remained a critical pillar in the country’s drive towards inclusive economic growth and community empowerment.
“The National Handicraft Centre occupies a strategic position in our efforts to empower women, youth and small enterprises through sustainable income-generating opportunities. We are impressed by the work being undertaken here and the plans being put in place to expand market access for our artisans,” he said.
He said the ministry was committed to ensuring that local producers benefit from emerging opportunities in regional and international markets.
“Our artisans possess immense talent and creativity. What is required is greater support in marketing, branding, innovation and access to global value chains,” he said.
As the Government, we will continue working with stakeholders to create an enabling environment that allows the sector to flourish.”
He commended the centre’s new general manager, Mr Tobias Moyo, for spearheading initiatives aimed at modernising operations through digital marketing and e-commerce platforms.
He noted that the growing use of digital technologies would help local producers reach new customers and improve competitiveness in international markets.
“The future of business is increasingly digital. The Centre’s vision of embracing technology and online marketing is in line with the Government’s modernisation agenda and will assist our artisans in showcasing Zimbabwean products to the world,” he said.
The deputy minister also hailed Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, saying the international exhibition had provided an important platform for promoting the country’s cultural heritage, tourism products and investment opportunities to a global audience.
“The exposure gained through international platforms such as Expo 2025 demonstrates the vast potential of Zimbabwe’s creative industries and handicraft sector. We must build on this momentum and ensure our producers can convert such exposure into sustainable business opportunities,” he said.
He said the development of the handicraft industry was consistent with the National Development Strategy 1 and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by the end of the decade.
He called on artisans, community groups and small enterprises to continue improving product quality and embracing innovation to increase their competitiveness on international markets.
The National Handicraft Centre has in recent years intensified efforts to promote Zimbabwean cultural products at local and international exhibitions, while creating market linkages for thousands of artisans across the country. The institution has also been recognised for showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through major exhibitions and tourism expos.
Officials said the Centre’s transformation programme is expected to contribute significantly to employment creation, foreign currency generation and the growth of community-based enterprises, particularly among women and youth.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has identified the handicraft sector as one of the key areas capable of driving grassroots economic development while preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage for future generations.
