Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
OVER twenty women entrepreneurs from the southern region of the country are undergoing training under the fourth edition of the Next She Exporter incubation programme as they work towards tapping into export markets.
Since its launch, the Next She Exporter programme has been a transformative force for Zimbabwean women in business, empowering them to break into international markets. Now in its fourth cycle, the initiative continues to expand its reach.
Through a strategic partnership with Nedbank, ZimTrade has strengthened the programme’s provincial footprint, fostering innovation and inclusive growth.
Speaking at the three day training in Bulawayo, ZimTrade associate trainer, Mr Keith Heywood challenged women entrepreneurs whose businesses were failing to take off or not succeeding to re-evaluate them.
“To effectively solve customer problems for businesses, focus on active listening, empathetic understanding, offering clear solutions and providing follow-up support. This approach ensures customer satisfaction and builds trust in the brand,” he said.
“Sometimes there is need to re-evaluate and rebrand your products and services to ensure your businesses solve customer problems. Most of your business are not failing because you do not know what you are doing but because you are not putting it across properly.”
As a participant at this year’s programme, SheDIRACT director and founder, Miss Catherine Phiri said she was hoping to gain more knowledge that will grow their organisation.
“As a female digital innovation, resilience and communication training organisation we equip women with business and digital marketing skills. By attending the Next She Exporter incubation programme, l am hoping to acquire more knowledge and skills that can ensure our organisation moves to the next step and we get recognition,” she said.
Ms Nomagugu Ndlovu, who sells plus size clothing, said she was tapping into a large and growing market, and her goal was to attract more customers.
“The plus-size clothing market is substantial and experiencing consistent growth. A significant percentage of women fall within the plus-size range, meaning there’s a large potential customer base.
Attending the Next She Exporter incubation programme is an opportunity for me to acquire more knowledge that can ensure l am able to broaden my market base for my business to grow,” she said.
Women entrepreneurs participating for the programme should have a visible demonstration of an innovative model, displaying a unique and competitive advantage, social impact and environmentally friendly operations.
