Zimbabwe’s empowerment drive boosts MSMEs, women, youth
Zimbabwe distributed credit to more than 328,000 women and 102,000 young people between June 2024 and June 2025 as part of government efforts to expand business ownership. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the programs support national development goals by directing capital toward entrepreneurs who previously lacked access to formal banking services.
Officials provided market assistance to 108,000 women and small operators, and trained 314,551 people in business management and entrepreneurship skills. A banana processing facility in Honde Valley reached 95 percent completion and a textile center in Bulawayo advanced to 60 percent as authorities promoted local manufacturing over raw material exports.
Financial institutions created specialized products for women and youth while supporting digital literacy workshops. Ncube said sustainable empowerment requires both funding and technical capabilities that enable borrowers to operate profitable ventures and repay obligations.
Awareness campaigns on substance abuse reached 288,061 community members as the government integrated social stability measures with economic initiatives. The expansion of credit facilities signals progress toward formalizing informal enterprises that employ significant portions of the population.
