Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
National trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, is collaborating closely with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to implement the latter’s SheTrades initiative to equip women traders or women-led businesses with the requisite skills and knowledge.
Established in 2015, ITC’s SheTrades aims to create the right conditions and capacities for women to thrive in global trade. Their work is underpinned by the understanding that empowering women through trade requires pulling up all levers in the trade and business ecosystem.
SheTrades has nationally or regionally anchored resource centres for women entrepreneurs to access training on key topics, market and investment opportunities.
Their global community comprises 19 in-country and two regional hubs across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East and North Africa region.
Speaking at the SheTrades Market Intelligence Seminar in Harare on Monday, ZimTrade operations director, Mr Similo Nkala, emphasised how the partnership had assisted female-led businesses in export competitiveness.
“This event is more than just a meeting; it’s part of a powerful journey we have been on with ITC through the SheTrades initiative.
“Since 2023, this partnership has opened doors for Zimbabwean women-led enterprises, helping them grow through training, international missions, buyer engagements and sector development in textiles, creative goods and now, the essential oils sector,” he said.
He applauded ITC and the United Kingdom Government for their unwavering support through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme.
Mr Nkala said it was critical to help exporters, especially women-led businesses, better understand the logistical systems that connect Zimbabwe to regional, continent-wide markets and major European import hubs, among others.
The sessions equipped the women with practical insights that directly influence competitiveness; from moving products efficiently and meeting documentation requirements to cutting costs and building strong partnerships.
Experts delivered presentations on regional and global logistics trends, export documentation and compliance, and the key freight options available to Zimbabwean exporters.
Mr Nkala said these inputs were essential because the challenges women face, whether high transport costs, customs delays, border procedures, or access to shipping networks, ultimately affect their ability to meet delivery schedules and build trust with international buyers.
