Government, City Leadership Pledge Stronger Support for Women Entrepreneurs
By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 19 November 2025 – The Fifth Edition of the City of Mutare Women Empowerment Expo ended on a high note on Monday, with national and local leaders pledging stronger support for women entrepreneurs and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Held at Queens Hall under the theme “Empowered to Transform the Community,” the expo was officiated by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa. The event brought together government ministries, local authorities, development partners, and dozens of women exhibitors from across the city and province.
In her keynote address, Senator Mutsvangwa said the expo represented a declaration of Zimbabwe’s determination to empower women and build an inclusive economy.
“This vibrant gathering is a dynamic marketplace of hope and a clear demonstration that MSMEs are the bedrock upon which we are building a prosperous, empowered and self-reliant Zimbabwe,” she said.
The Minister praised Mutare City Council for its multi-pronged empowerment strategy, including the establishment of women’s clubs, financial literacy training, value-addition skills and the creation of market linkages through participation at ZITF, Sanganai/Hlanganani and agricultural shows.
She also highlighted national initiatives under her ministry, among them the statutory Apex Board for Women in Business and partnerships with the Zimbabwe Chamber of MSMEs to support business formalisation and expand access to finance and markets.
“There can be no meaningful achievement of Vision 2030 without the full and equal economic inclusion of our women,” she said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Misheck Mugadza, told delegates that the expo reflects the Second Republic’s development philosophy of ensuring no place and no person is left behind.
“This event is not just a showcase; it is a powerful statement about the economic dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit residing within the women of our communities,” he said.
He added that Local Economic Development (LED) was central to the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), noting that Mutare was positioning itself as a self-sustaining economic hub through such initiatives.
“The products you see today are not just commodities; they are the engines of Mutare’s economic future,” Mugadza said.
Mutare City Town Clerk, Blessing Kapuya Chafesuka, said the Women Empowerment programme—now in its fifth year—was moving into a new phase focused on structural support for SMEs.
He revealed that, following consultations with the Minister of Women Affairs, the city had been tasked with providing land for SME growth.
“We will see how we support it,” he said. “There must be a policy shift that supports SMEs. They have to see tenders in Council and government.”
Chafesuka announced that by November 2026, the city expects to commission a dedicated SME site at the Green Market, in partnership with NSSA.
Delivering the closing remarks, Deputy Mayor John Nyamhoka said the expo demonstrated the transformative power of women when given platforms, resources and recognition.
“From the youngest exhibitors to seasoned entrepreneurs, every woman brought a spark of brilliance to this exhibition,” he said.
Nyamhoka thanked exhibitors, development partners and sponsors for their contributions, and reaffirmed City leadership’s commitment to widening access to markets, improving service delivery and strengthening inclusive public spaces.
“We must continue this work in our homes, workplaces and communities,” he said. “Let us support women-owned businesses, mentor young women and build a Mutare where every woman and girl thrives without limits.”
The 2025 Mutare Women Empowerment Expo closed with renewed commitments from both government and local authorities to scale up women-led economic development.
Senator Mutsvangwa officially opened the event earlier in the day, affirming government support for SMEs and women entrepreneurs under the Second Republic.