Harare, (New Ziana) –There is need for financial institutions in Zimbabwe to compliment the government in supporting women-owned small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to grow and sustain their operations, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said this at a Women in Construction
Conference and Awards ceremony held in Harare last week.
The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) convened the conference, which reflected on shared dedication to promoting gender equality, participation of women in the economic sector, and driving sustainable growth within the construction sector.
“Financial institutions must support women-driven initiatives. It is essential that we continue to design customized financial solutions, build robust support systems, and introduce targeted incentives that empower women entrepreneurs to expand and sustain their businesses.
“I also call on women within the sector to unite, craft creative financing models, and uplift one another in navigating and securing the financial resources they need to thrive.”
The conference was held under the theme: “Embrace Change, Cultivate Growth, and Transform,” which Mutsvangwa said aligned with national aspirations.
“Embracing change calls for leveraging emerging technologies and innovative practices that are vital to the country’s progress.
Cultivating growth emphasizes the importance of empowering women through targeted skills development and leadership training, preparing them to step into more influential positions.
“Transformation speaks to the need for redefining industry standards, reforming policies, and shifting mind-sets to foster a more inclusive and resilient sector that supports inclusive long-term development,” she said.
The construction industry in Zimbabwe has historically been male-dominated but women have continually defied stereotypes and contributed significantly to its innovation.
From project managers and engineers to artisans and entrepreneurs, women are shaping the future of the industry, Mutsvangwa said recognizing their achievements is essential for gender equality and unlocking the full potential of the industry for national development.
“My Ministry’s mandate is rooted in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion across all sectors of the economy. We strive towards creating an enabling environment that supports women’s participation in decision-making, leadership, and economic activities. This is reflected in the National Gender Policy and further aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy-1 (NDS-1).
“In fulfilling our mandate, my Ministry also plays a vital role in nurturing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Small and Medium Enterprises are key drivers of employment, innovation, and community development, contributing up to sixty percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” she said.
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