At UNDP Zimbabwe, empowering women entrepreneurs is not just a necessity for gender equality but a catalyst for inclusive development. The recent conference on "Accelerating Women’s Entrepreneurship Development in Africa and 'De-risking Renewable Energy Investments" provided an essential platform to highlight our progress, share best practices, and reflect on the road ahead.

As we stood among leaders, policymakers, and women entrepreneurs, we were reminded of the pivotal role that women play in driving economic prosperity and social transformation in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.

“Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just a goal, it is a prerequisite for the development of our economies and societies,” said Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's Minister of Women Affairs, Community Development, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This sentiment captured the core of the discussions and the work we at UNDP Zimbabwe continue to champion.

Women at the Core of Africa’s Development
Across Africa, women are central to economic life, contributing to agriculture, small businesses, and the informal economy. Yet, despite their essential roles, many face systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and technology. These barriers must be removed to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to lead the way in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In Zimbabwe, women entrepreneurs make up a significant portion of the SME sector, which contributes immensely to the national economy. However, most women-led businesses still operate in the informal sector, limiting their growth potential and access to larger markets. UNDP Zimbabwe has been working closely with the government, private sector, and international partners to address these challenges and provide opportunities for women to thrive in the formal economy.

As Hon. Mutsvangwa pointed out during her remarks, “56% of Zimbabwe’s SMEs are women-owned, and these businesses contribute 60% of the country’s GDP. Empowering these women is not only about gender equality but about economic survival and growth for the entire nation.”

UNDP’s Commitment to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
UNDP Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs across the country. When women are empowered to succeed, entire communities benefit. This philosophy has driven our work in key areas, from renewable energy to financial inclusion.
Our flagship initiative, the Solar for Health program, has been a game-changer. By providing reliable solar energy to over 1,000 health facilities in Zimbabwe, we have directly impacted healthcare delivery and created opportunities for women. Many of these facilities are run by women, highlighting how sustainable energy solutions can intersect with gender equality.

“Energy poverty exacerbates gender inequality,” noted Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Secretary General and Regional Director for Africa, during her address. “In rural Zimbabwe, young mothers walk over 10 kilometers daily to gather firewood. This is time poverty that steals not only hours but also futures.”

UNDP's efforts in renewable energy have alleviated this burden and opened new business opportunities for women in the energy sector, helping them become entrepreneurs in solar and biogas technologies.

Addressing the Digital Divide
Digital transformation is another area where UNDP Zimbabwe is making a substantial impact. Today, technology is crucial for business growth, but many women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, lack the skills and access needed to scale their businesses. To address this, we have focused on closing the digital divide through training initiatives that equip women with essential digital skills.

“We need to ensure that women are empowered to contribute to and benefit from the economic opportunities of a digitally enabled society,” said Ms. Crystal Rugege, Managing Director of Rwanda’s National Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Technology should not only be an enabler for all but should especially benefit those who need it most, including women entrepreneurs.”

Our partnership with organizations like Timbuktoo, a continent-wide initiative to mobilize $1 billion in financing for Africa’s startup ecosystem, has been crucial in supporting women-led innovation. By creating hubs for women entrepreneurs in tech, we are helping ensure that they are not left behind in Africa’s digital future.

The Importance of Partnerships
At UNDP, we understand that partnerships are essential for achieving meaningful progress. Our work in Zimbabwe has been successful because of the strong partnerships we’ve built with the government, private sector, and international organizations.

One prime example is the Old Mutual partnership, a public-private collaboration that is crowding in capital for renewable energy projects that benefit women. By addressing the viability gap in renewable energy, we are creating business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in rural areas, driving forward both gender equality and sustainable development.

“This is the time to act,” said Ms. Blessing Hungwe-Nharara, founder of the Zimbabwe Women in Mines and Mining Development Trust. “We’ve gone beyond piloting. We know what works. Now is the time to scale up and create real opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Africa.”

Ms. Hungwe-Nharara’s story of resilience and innovation demonstrates the impact of partnerships. Starting from mining gold by hand after escaping gender-based violence, she went on to own her mine, expand her business, and advocate for other women in mining. Her success was supported by training programs and technical support provided by UNDP and other partners.

Breaking Down Barriers: Financial Inclusion and Capacity Building
While access to finance remains a significant challenge for many women, UNDP Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of creating innovative solutions. In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, we helped develop a collateral registry that allows women to use movable assets, such as household goods, as collateral for loans. This system has enabled many women to secure financing without needing traditional collateral.

“Without access to finance, women are limited in their ability to scale their businesses,” said H.E. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. “By addressing the financing gap and supporting women entrepreneurs, we are directly contributing to the continent’s prosperity.”

Capacity building is also central to our work. To date, UNDP Zimbabwe has trained over 90,000 women entrepreneurs in business management, digital skills, and value addition. These efforts are helping women-led businesses move from survival to growth, contributing meaningfully to the national economy.

A Call to Action
As we continue to work toward gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, we are inspired by the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and across Africa. The road ahead may still have challenges, but with the right policies, investments, and partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs.

“When we empower women, we significantly reduce poverty,” said Ms. Eziakonwa. “Women-led businesses often reinvest their profits into their communities, creating a ripple effect that strengthens social cohesion and resilience.”

At UNDP Zimbabwe, we remain committed to supporting women entrepreneurs, breaking down barriers, and building a future where no woman is left behind. Together, we can create a Zimbabwe—and an Africa—where women lead in every sector of the economy, driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.