By Nyasha Dube, Zvishavane – Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Sekai Nzenza has called for more engagement platforms for business women in Zimbabwe, saying such platforms are important in contributing to the country’s vision of being a middle income economy by 2030.
Dr Nzenza was speaking at the Women’s Business Leadership Roundtable 2021 hosted online by CEO Africa Roundtable recently.
The meeting which was under the theme “Women Unlocking New Frontiers” sought to bring together women in business so they could engage on the challenges they are facing and how they are navigating around them.
Speaking during the meeting where she was the keynote speaker, Dr Nzenza said Zimbabwean women in business have so much potential.
“Women can be anything they want to be if they are equiped with the right knowledge and skills,”
Dr Sekai Nzenza
Sharing her own personal journey in business, Dr Nzenza said although she encountered many challenges because of gender, she did not give up.
“Being a Zimbabwean woman especially abroad, gave me courage and inspiration, which I also drew from other determined women like me,” said Doctor Nzenza.
She further called for government to work closely with the private sector in supporting more women leaders, saying her office is open to everyone.
“Such platforms are important for women and we must have more of these, my office is always open and I am ready to listen and engage with business women so we can map a way forward,” she said.
The Women’s Business Leadership Roundtable brought together women from different trades, private and public, and was graced by speakers and panelists from different institutions local and abroad.
Some of the issues arising included challenges faced by women in accessing capital and loan facilities and formalising their operations.
Former Managing Director at Business Strategy Expert and Metal Fabricators of Zambia Roseta Mwape said formalisation of businesses is key no matter how small the business is.
“Most women’s businesses are not formal and this creates challenges. Women must be capacitated with information, knowledge and skills in compliance, and women in rural areas should not be left out.”
Roseta Mwape
Women were also urged to invest in stock exchange so as to make more money in their business ventures.
“We encourage women to invest in stock exchange, including young women. We offer investor education to groups of 10 women virtually and it’s a free resource. We also encourage retail participants to be more involved,” said Thandeka Msipa from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
Women in business continue to face a number of challenges in their operations because of gender barriers that stand in their way of accessing facilities that are easily accessed by their make counterparts, however engagement platforms such as the Women’s Business Leadership Roundtable among others are playing a critical part in addressing these challenges.
“Most men are accessing venture capital compared to women, hence women led businesses remain micro,” said Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Deputy Governor Jesimen Chipika.
Dr Chipika emphasised the importance of capital in any business, and encouraged women to acquire venture capital.