The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development has reported substantial progress in its initiatives for the first half of 2024, as detailed by Honourable Minister M. Mutsvangwa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to support women, communities, and MSMEs by bridging funding and capacity gaps and promoting equitable development.
To address funding needs, the Ministry has provided loans through the Women’s Development Fund (WDF), Zimbabwe Community Development Fund (ZCDF), Zimbabwe Women Microfinance Bank (ZWMB), and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO). Since January 2024, US$7,027,200 has been distributed to 65 MSMEs via SMEDCO and to 3,440 beneficiaries through ZWMB. The ZCDF and WDF are on track to fund 200 projects by the end of the year.
Beyond financial support, the Ministry focuses on capacity building for women, MSMEs, and cooperatives. This initiative aims to help these groups capitalize on new business and livelihood opportunities. By promoting the formation and growth of innovative structures in key sectors such as housing, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, health, arts and crafts, and fisheries, the Ministry is driving sustainable development and economic empowerment.
Additionally, the Ministry is facilitating access to essential social services, including health care, sanitary wear for women and girls, education, and agricultural inputs, ensuring comprehensive community support.
Looking forward, the government plans to enhance gender equality measures as stipulated in the Constitution. Efforts will focus on increasing women’s representation in key decision-making roles across all sectors. Special facilities to support women-owned enterprises and community projects will be bolstered to provide affordable, long-term funding for re-tooling. There will also be an increase in budgetary support to establish value addition processing plants, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women and MSMEs, which is vital for driving economic growth and building resilient communities throughout Zimbabwe.
