By Zachary Gava in Masvingo
Masvingo, (New Ziana) – Vice President Kembo Mohadi on Friday commissioned the Jairos Jiri Village Business Unit in Masvingo, a development expected to improve livelihoods and promote economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
The commissioning ceremony took place shortly before the Vice President proceeded to Mucheke Stadium where he officially opened and closed the 2026 Zimbabwe National Disability Expo as the guest of honour.
The newly commissioned business unit will focus on market gardening and fish farming, two income-generating projects designed to enhance food security and create sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities.
Marking the commencement of the initiative, Vice President Mohadi officially released the first batch of fish into the pond and planted a commemorative tree, signaling the start of farming activities at the centre.
The business unit is situated at the Jairos Jiri Centre, named after the late renowned Zimbabwean philanthropist and disability rights pioneer Jairos Jiri, whose life’s work transformed the welfare of thousands of persons with disabilities.
Through the Jairos Jiri Association, he championed rehabilitation, skills development, education and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape Zimbabwe’s disability inclusion agenda.
The Village Business Unit forms part of the government’s rural industrialisation and food security program being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development across the country.
Village Business Units are being established to promote community-based production through integrated projects such as nutrition gardens, fish farming, poultry and other agricultural enterprises.
The initiative aims to improve household incomes, strengthen nutrition and create sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable communities, including persons with disabilities.
The commissioning comes on the final day of the 2026 Zimbabwe National Disability Expo, which was being held under the theme, “Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors: A Master Stroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development.”
The three-day event brought together government Ministries, organisations of persons with disabilities, development partners, civil society organisations and exhibitors from Zimbabwe and abroad to showcase innovations and advance disability inclusion.
New Ziana
