Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
WITH the highly anticipated and oversubscribed 7th annual Sadc Industrialisation Week (SIW) kicking off today in Harare, women and youth participation has been viewed to be equally important.
The industrialisation week, which will be held till Friday, August 2, is running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development: Towards an Industrialised Sadc.”
The event serves as a platform for local and regional companies to showcase their contributions to the industrialisation agenda.
In an interview, Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) Compliance manager, Ms Juliana Kariri said youth and women in Zimbabwe should participate in the SADC Industrial Week to leverage opportunities for economic empowerment and innovation.
“The event focuses on promoting regional integration, enhancing trade, and fostering public-private partnerships, which are crucial for job creation and industrial growth.
Youth and women should participate in SIW to showcase their innovations and actively engage in the region’s industrialisation agenda. The forum provides a platform for youth and women entrepreneurs to build capacity through incubation, mentorship, internship and skills training programmes in key areas of industrialisation,” she said.
She said their participation will enhance their access to capital and credit to start and grow businesses.
Ms Kariri said increasing youth and women’s participation in industrial activities is crucial for the region’s economic development and integration.
“The Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap emphasises the leading role of youth in the economic agenda and proposes measures to empower them to participate in the industrialisation process. Specific opportunities include entrepreneurship programmes through initiatives aimed at supporting small business startups in various sectors.
“It also includes investment forums though platforms to connect with policymakers and investors, facilitating access to funding and resources, as well as innovation discussions through engagement in dialogues about technology and sustainable development, promoting skills enhancement and networking opportunities for women and youth,” she added.
Women in Mining Africa (WIM-Africa) Operations Associate and Young Miners Foundation (YMF) executive secretary, Ms Rumbidzai Magwaza said it was crucial for women and youth to participate in SIW to promote diversity, innovation, and inclusivity.
“By showcasing their businesses at SIW, they can gain visibility, networking opportunities, access to potential investors or partners, and valuable feedback to help grow their ventures.
“The event provides opportunities for women and youth to network with policymakers, private sector stakeholders, academia and researchers. While, women and youth can also contribute to policy dialogue and influence the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap,” she said.
Youth Network Connect (YNC) Secretary General, Ms Anamaria Mawere said SIW was a nexus for ideas and collaborations among diverse business stakeholders in Africa and a premium gathering for business magnates, policymakers, investors, and budding entrepreneurs from across Africa and elsewhere.
“The event is crafted to promote women empowerment and to foster conversations, networking, and partnerships, driving sustainable business growth across the continent. It will also be a grand stage where different facets of the women business communities converge to discuss, network, and forge potential collaborations,” she said.
“It serves as a melting pot for various participants in the business ecosystem. The diversified attendee list will also add a rich texture to the discussions and outcomes of the event while at the same time promoting participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
She said the event will promote women’s business ecosystem building in Africa and it had so many benefits as it will provide such as an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives from other African countries.
Ms Mawere said women around Africa including in Zimbabwe can play an instrumental role in creating the change required to ignite innovations that lead to sustainable development outcomes.
“The SIW contributes to the social, economic and environmental innovation required to drive sustainable development at local, national and global levels. Women’s participation at SIW is seen as a transformational driver offering the scaffolding for both attaining and delivering the SDGs, while fueling economic growth led by the principle of sustainable development.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter