Zim Market Fair on next month

sophisticated markets, realise meaningful incomes and conduct market research.
According to a statement issued by the organising committee, the fair will be held in the Harare Gardens, which was made available by the Harare City Council as part of its support for the initiative. The organisers also have a partnership with the Culture Fund that will result in a number of upcoming artistes and performers providing entertainment for the shoppers and exhibitors.
“In order to maximise the promotion of rural entrepreneur products the fair hopes to incorporate fashion shows, samples and test bottles so that customers become immediately acquainted with the products,” read part of the statement. Participating organisations at the fair will include the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Zubo Trust and Zvishavane Water Project.
Others include Kunzwana Women’s Association, Empretec Zimbabwe, the International Rescue Committee, Streetwise, ADRA, IOM, the Zimbabwe Applied Arts and Crafts Association, UN Women and UNDP.
The Zimbabwe Market Fair is a project that is being co-ordinated by Kunzwana Women’s Association and Empretec Zimbabwe. It has already facilitated for more than 200 women to conduct good businesses selling their products in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. UN Women and UNDP are supporting the project.
Previous fairs have been held in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. The fairs are held on a quarterly basis.
The key strategy for the Zimbabwe Market Fairs is to create sustainable market linkages through participating organisations so as to provide space for women and youths to sell their products and expand their markets.
The fairs also aim to strengthen rural entrepreneurs’ capacity to add value to their unique, creative and innovative Zimbabwean products using local raw materials.
The rural entrepreneur’s are also exposed to basic business literacy which helps them in overcoming logistical arrangements; ensure quality standards and understanding of exchange rates which contributes to building confidence in conducting their businesses. 
In preparation to participate at the market fairs, rural women and youths are invited to attend specifically designed business management training programmes.
The training that is carried out in conjunction with the ministries of Small to Medium Enterprises and that of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development. 
The post-training assessments have revealed that women and youths have made substantive sales, taking home an average of US$100 over the three trading days. 
The rural entrepreneurs have become mindful of special storage facilities of perishable goods, packaging for sophisticated markets and timely follow-up on orders and enquiries. An analysis of the registration forms, said the committee indicates that rural entrepreneurs are involved in the production of arts and crafts, basketry, fashion and clothing, candles and soaps, paper products, wood and bamboo carvings, woven rugs and mats, fresh produce, jewellery and traditional herbs, among others.