Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu in GABORONE, Botswana
BULAWAYO’S “Biltong Queen” Nobuhle Ntaisi, a beneficiary of the ZimTrade Next She Exporter Programme is confidence of securing good business in Botswana after her participation at the neighbouring country’s Global Expo 2025, which ends in Gaborone today.
The founder of Nobby’ Snax Biltong company is a first time exhibitor here, and among the 20 local businesses that are showcasing the country’s high value products and services.
“Well as Nobby’Snax it was such an honor being here at the Botswana Global Expo. It was our first time being here and we’ve had engagements with local people here,” said Ntaisi.
“There’s talk of partnerships, there’s talk of us bringing our meat to the site. At first they were quite a bit hostile saying, are you sure you’re bringing your beef here? This is a meat country, we have the best beef.
“We’re like yeah we hear you but we also have the best beef in Bulawayo, in Zimbabwe. So yeah, it was such an eye-opener that there are no limitations. As a person you shouldn’t limit yourself just because I’m Zimbabwe that doesn’t mean that I cannot deal with other countries,” she said.
The Next She Exporter Programme is an initiative by ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion agency, designed to build the capacity of women-led and women-owned businesses for export markets.
Launched in 2021, the programme empowers female entrepreneurs to strengthen their competitiveness, enhance product quality, and meet international trade standards.
It targets businesses that are wholly female-owned or have at least 51 percent female shareholding, particularly those that have been operational for two years or more.
Preference is given to enterprises involved in value-adding sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, crafts, cosmetics, and services, while mining and fuel-related sectors are excluded.
Participants receive technical training covering export readiness, packaging, branding, financial literacy, record-keeping, and compliance with international market standards.
The programme provides mentorship and coaching from local and international experts, encouraging peer learning and practical guidance for scaling operations.
It connects women entrepreneurs to trade networks, buyers, and export markets through networking sessions, market linkages, and participation in trade fairs.
Selection criteria focus on majority female ownership, product export potential, innovation, scalability, and commitment to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
Since its inception, the programme has capacitated over 200 women-led businesses across Zimbabwe, with many now exporting regionally and internationally.
Participants have improved their product presentation, branding, and packaging, leading to stronger market appeal and higher export readiness.
The programme has inspired women to add value to local raw materials and engage in innovation-driven production.
Its fourth edition builds on earlier successes by strengthening mentorship models, enhancing peer-learning platforms, and broadening inclusion to rural and peri-urban areas.
Overall, the Next She Exporter Programme continues to advance women’s participation in international trade, contributing to Zimbabwe’s export growth and gender-inclusive economic development.
