03/10/2023
This year's conversations at provided a clearer understanding of the landscape of women's entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe, identified business capability gaps and opportunities, examined policy frameworks, and defined policy actions that would position African women, leaders in global women entrepreneurship, to play a transformative role towards Agenda 2030.
In officiating at the conference Hon Sithembiso Nyoni , the Minister of Industry & Commerce urged Women Entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities and reiterated on the need for women in business to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by the AFCFTA
Mrs Sara Moyo (Senior Partner-Honey &Blanckenberg) informed that at times regulatory charges are not even commensurate with the services given by the service providers.There is need to create a policy and regulatory environment that is supportive of women businesses. She said this while speaking on the topic of Navigating the Legal & Regulatory Environment.
Another topic of great importance was Leveraging the Digital Economy for accelerated growth among Women owned enterprises. In the deliberations Sibo Muteyiwa , Director Marketing & International Relations at POTRAZ highlighted that 60% of the country has internet pe*******on. Every business' annual strategic plans should be digitally inclined. A research survey by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) indicated that for every dollar funded for a women-owned business, there is US$0.78 in return while for males, the return is US$0.31. A wider market is reachable through online advertisement and as an entrepreneur, one needs to regularly post content that is relatable to their craft or areas of expertise!
Speaking on strengthening policy and institutional frameworks , funding & Networks to advance Women Entrepreneurship Professor Fundira advised the women entrepreneurs that
It is important to keep a good record of financial transactions and cash flows. Most emerging entrepreneurs do not open bank accounts because of the exorbitant financial services charges and taxes. In the same vein Petronella Dhitima MD of Mustard Seed Advisory informed that
“Having a board or a corporate structure entails bringing other people with diverse opinions from you and assist in driving the agenda. Having a structure helps in stock take”
The fruitful deliberations ended with several resolution pointers
We are grateful to our sponsors Nyaradzo Group, First Capital Bank Zimbabwe and POSB Zimbabwe for making our event possible