The Next She Exporter

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the need for gender equality
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations recognize the need for gender equality and equal opportunities for all in economic activities. This includes ensuring women have the same access to economic activities, as well as promoting the economic empowerment of women.
ZimTrade developed the NEXT She-Exporter Program which was launched in April 2022, as an initiative to assist female entrepreneurs to build capacity for export. The call for applications received more than 300 applicants from the 12 provinces of Zimbabwe and 115 participants were selected from the different provinces of the country.
The criteria for selection included the enterprise displaying potential to export the product or service, the long-term sustainability in production, innovation and innovative techniques being utilised, scope for value addition or that being implemented, and the environment effect the product or service may and the social impact of the enterprise, as in inclusion with the community and other ways of one’s community is being uplifted. So, following the gruelling adjudication and selection process, the journey began...
The 115 participants went through a rigorous training process which covers 13 modules including financial management, branding, competitor analysis, market opportunity analysis, developing the value proposition, packaging, social media marketing, trade fair participation, among other more intricate areas for enterprises.
Not to forget the technical interventions! The process of being told the truth.
Most importantly mingling with the big dogs in industry, the mentorship sessions were invaluable. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Thembi Mloyi, Dr Divine Ndhlukula, Josephine Takundwa, Annabel Gakaka, Thubelihle Ndhlovu women that are making big tracks in industry.
This program was specially designed to empower female entrepreneurs with personalized business mentorship, professional knowledge, and skills, as tools and networks to transform their already existing enterprises into successful and sustainable business enterprises that can export.
One of the main objectives was to ensure the businesses that were selected remain sustainable in the long term and become export ready. Over 75% of the female entrepreneurs have developed over the year. Some have participated in trade shows and managed to gain that experience and insights into the market and market requirements.
ZimTrade is continuously working with the participants and with time we expect to have them all either grow their business sustainably and/or contribute to national exports. Seeing the success of the program, we are excited to be launching the second edition of the program and applications are now open!
Call-to-Action for Women Entrepreneurs
Apply Now! This edition will be bigger and better! Don’t miss a chance to enhance your business for export and contribute to ENERGIZING ZIMBABWE’S EXPORT GROWTH!