“This is not just about equipping women with skills; it is about dismantling barriers and positioning them as global trade leaders,” declared the CEO in his keynote address. “We are not merely increasing the number of female exporters; we are cultivating a new breed of economic powerhouses who will redefine Zimbabwe’s footprint on the international stage.”
Over the years, the NEXT She Exporter program has become a catalyst for transformation. It has systematically addressed the long-standing challenges that hindered women’s participation in exports—access to finance, market intelligence, and mentorship. The results have been nothing short of revolutionary. This year’s graduates have not only secured international trade deals but have also gained an unshakable belief in their ability to navigate the competitive global marketplace.
Economists argue that the empowerment of women through export-focused initiatives is not just a gender issue—it is a national economic strategy. Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 hinges on economic diversification, and with more women-led enterprises entering export markets, the country is tapping into an underutilized economic reservoir. This, in turn, strengthens national revenue streams, job creation, and industrial growth.
One participant, who recently landed a deal with a multinational buyer, could barely contain her excitement: “Before joining NEXT She Exporter, I saw exporting as something beyond my reach. Today, I am not only exporting, but I am scaling up my production to meet demand from international clients. This program has changed my life and the lives of the people I employ.”
The momentum does not stop here. Looking ahead, the NEXT She Exporter program is set to push boundaries further by integrating cutting-edge digital trade tools, enhancing access to sustainable production methods, and deepening trade linkages within regional and global markets. The CEO emphasized that these advancements will not only accelerate women’s participation in trade but also ensure they dominate sectors where they were previously underrepresented.
Stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s trade ecosystem are rallying behind this transformative agenda. “This is not about ticking boxes for gender inclusion,” said one trade expert. “This is about economic common sense—women are proving to be the missing link in Zimbabwe’s export strategy. When they succeed, we all win.”
While the successes of the NEXT She Exporter initiative are undeniable, its continued impact depends on the collaboration between government, the private sector, and financial institutions. Sustainable funding, favorable trade policies, and institutional support will be key to ensuring that Zimbabwean women-owned businesses not only enter but dominate global markets.
As the 2025 chapter of NEXT She Exporter closes, it leaves behind a powerful message—Zimbabwe’s trade future is being rewritten, and women are holding the pen. The journey is no longer about breaking glass ceilings; it is about building a new economic empire where women’s voices, innovations, and enterprises are at the helm. The world is watching, and Zimbabwean women are ready to lead.
