Zimbabwe’s export earnings surged to US$9.71 billion in 2025, reflecting a 30 percent increase, but women-led businesses remain largely excluded, with only 2 percent participating in export markets.
The disparity has prompted intervention from the International Trade Centre and ZimTrade, which have established the SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub to support women entrepreneurs with skills, networks and access to markets.
The hub is part of the global SheTrades Initiative under the United Kingdom-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme and places Zimbabwe among 22 hubs worldwide and eight in Africa.
Despite women accounting for over 60 percent of the labour force, participation in exports remains low due to barriers such as limited market access, complex procedures and high transport and logistics costs.
ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said increasing women’s participation in exports is critical for national development.
“Integrating women into mainstream export value chains is key to building a more inclusive and competitive national trade ecosystem. Increasing women’s participation in exports expands Zimbabwe’s productive base and strengthens value addition, innovation and resilience across sectors. At the same time, there is a need to address the structural barriers that have limited women’s access to markets so that export growth delivers real improvements in household incomes and community wellbeing. The SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub is a practical step towards supporting more women to enter and compete in export markets, contributing to national growth while improving livelihoods in a meaningful and sustainable way,” he said.
Related Stories
Dorothy Tembo said the programme is aimed at improving access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
“With the launch of the SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub, we are working with ZimTrade to open doors for women who have the talent and determination to compete in global markets but too often lack the opportunities. Women-led businesses in Zimbabwe will gain the tools and connections they need to reach new markets,” she said.
Pete Vowles said the initiative will strengthen women’s participation in trade.
“The United Kingdom is proud to partner with ITC and ZimTrade in launching the SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub. When women entrepreneurs thrive, economies grow, communities strengthen and opportunities multiply. This Hub will equip Zimbabwean women-led businesses with the skills, connections and confidence they need to compete in global markets – including with UK buyers. Today’s launch is not just an investment in trade; it is an investment in women’s economic power,” he said.
The programme builds on interventions implemented since 2024, which have supported women-led businesses in sectors such as essential oils and beauty through training on compliance, certification, export logistics and market access, as well as trade missions linking local entrepreneurs with international buyers.
The SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub is expected to improve participation of women in exports and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
Leave Comments