Ecobank and OWIT Zimbabwe Unite to Showcase Women Entrepreneurs
Ecobank Zimbabwe, in a significant partnership with the Organisation for Women in International Trade (OWIT) Zimbabwe, is gearing up to host a dynamic marketplace event. This initiative is specifically designed to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women-owned and women-led businesses across Zimbabwe. The event is scheduled to take place next Saturday at the Ecobank Headquarters in Borrowdale, opening its doors to the public from 10 am to 4 pm. This open-to-all gathering is a key component of the broader celebrations for International Women’s Day, aiming to provide a prominent platform for women entrepreneurs to display their talents and successes.
Buhlebenkosi Ostlea Nyathi, the President of OWIT Zimbabwe, expressed her gratitude towards Ecobank for their unwavering support of this endeavor. She emphasized how this event perfectly complements the ongoing programs dedicated to fostering the empowerment of women in the business sector.
“This gesture profoundly underscores Ecobank’s deep commitment to empowering women in business,” stated Nyathi. “It resonates perfectly with our core vision, which is to champion excellence and foster international trade among women. This initiative creates invaluable opportunities for them to showcase their diverse products and to forge connections with wider, more expansive markets.”
She further elaborated on the enduring nature of their collaboration, noting, “We commend Ecobank for their consistent and dedicated support of women through meticulously crafted programs that have demonstrably made a significant and positive impact on women entrepreneurship throughout Zimbabwe. This marketplace event follows in the footsteps of a similarly successful event that we co-hosted in 2024, and it is incredibly gratifying to witness our partnership continue to flourish and grow.”
At its core, the marketplace is conceived as a prime opportunity for women entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their products directly to a varied and engaged audience. This inclusive approach is deliberately crafted to cultivate a strong sense of community support for enterprises led by women.
“The exhibition spaces are being offered completely free of charge, and we are truly encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from women entrepreneurs who have enthusiastically embraced this opportunity,” Nyathi added. “The marketplace embodies a vision of endless possibilities and serves as a vital platform for all participants to effectively showcase and sell their unique products to the general public.”
Beyond direct sales, the event is also designed to be a significant learning experience. It offers a valuable educational platform for individuals who are keen on entrepreneurship, facilitating idea exchange and the sharing of practical experiences among attendees.
“Whether you are already established in business or are aspiring to embark on your entrepreneurial journey, this marketplace promises to provide ample inspiration and deliver practical, actionable insights,” Nyathi explained.
The enthusiasm for the event is palpable, with exhibition spaces already fully booked, a clear indicator of the strong interest and eagerness among women entrepreneurs.
“We are immensely excited to witness women coming together, not only to inspire one another but also to powerfully demonstrate their capabilities and the high caliber of their work. At the previous event, we were privileged to observe an extensive array of high-quality products, all offered at affordable prices, originating from businesses led by women,” Nyathi recounted. “I wholeheartedly encourage the public to attend, to actively support these local artisans, and to engage in valuable networking opportunities.”
A strong call to action was issued to consumers, urging them to actively champion businesses owned by women.
“When you choose to support women, you are, in essence, supporting entire local communities,” Nyathi emphasized. “Every single purchase made contributes directly to the livelihoods of families, vigorously promotes the economic empowerment of women, and ultimately strengthens the broader Zimbabwean economy as a whole.”
The event is poised to be a dual experience, offering both educational enrichment and inspiring encounters. Attendees will have the chance to glean knowledge from seasoned entrepreneurs while simultaneously discovering and purchasing distinctive products at special, event-exclusive prices. Guests are welcome to attend for the entire duration of the day or at their own convenience.
The collaborative initiative between Ecobank and OWIT Zimbabwe has garnered significant recognition from influential stakeholders, including government officials. Notably, Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community and Small to Medium Enterprises Development, has previously graced such events, offering her commendation for the positive and tangible impact they have on women entrepreneurs.
Nyathi also drew attention to the crucial role of the informal sector, which serves as the operational base for a vast number of women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. She issued a plea for collective support from all relevant stakeholders to bolster these vital businesses.
“The informal economy in Zimbabwe is not merely significant; it is a powerhouse, contributing upwards of 60% to the national GDP and providing employment for over five million individuals, with women constituting the overwhelming majority,” she stated.
“We earnestly call upon all stakeholders to demonstrate their solidarity by actively supporting this marketplace initiative. These businesses are the bedrock for many families, they are instrumental in empowering women, and they contribute meaningfully to the national economic fabric,” Nyathi concluded. “Please come and join us in celebrating the queens of Zimbabwe by supporting their enterprises and discovering the truly unique and remarkable products crafted by these extraordinary women.”
