THE government has recommitted itself to support women in business, recognising their significant contributions to the country’s entrepreneurship, industry and innovation.
The move comes as the government is racing to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with one of the tenets of such a transformation being the inclusion of marginalised groups.
Speaking at the recent Megafest National Women’s Awards 2025 held in Harare, Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprise Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted that women had the upper hand in national development.
She made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the ministry’s chief director Lillian Matsika Takaendesa.
“The Vision 2030 Agenda aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Employment of women is just not a moral imperative, it is both a moral and economic one.
“Women constitute half of the population in Zimbabwe, and their contribution in the entrepreneurship industry and innovation is indispensable to national development.”
She also revealed that the government is committed to supporting women, not just in the SME industry, but also in the informal sector.
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“As government, we remain committed to strengthening our policies, institutions and access to capital, as well as exposure to markets that support women in business, especially within the SME and informal sector,” Mutsvangwa added.
The awards showcased the capability of women in transforming Zimbabwe’s economy.
“As we witness tonight, Megafest National Business Awards is more than just an awarding ceremony. It is a testimony that Zimbabwe women are bold, are capable, and are ready to drive the wheels of industrialisation and economic transformation,” Mutsvangwa added.
Women currently are estimated to be more than 50% of the informal sector, which generates US$14,2 billion in annual revenue, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
“Women comprise 56% of businesses in the informal sector, so it is women who are moving the economy of Zimbabwe,” Mutsvangawa said.
WestProp Holdings Limited chief operating officer Tatiana Ellis won the Outstanding Women in Business of the Year Award at the awards ceremony.
WestProp is a leading Zimbabwe-based property developer.
“The Megafest National Women’s Business Awards 2025 is a night to celebrate excellence, resilience and the remarkable achievements of women in business across Zimbabwe,” Megafest Holdings board member Ivan Craig said.
“Tonight, we stand on a powerful platform that recognises not only individual brilliance, but also the collective spirit of women, who are shaping industries, creating employment, building communities, and inspiring generations to come.”
