By Tatenda Machirori
THE SHETRADES Zimbabwe Hub, working with ZimTrade, has launched a business clinic to help women-led enterprises strengthen their operations and prepare for regional and international markets.
The two-day SheTrades Business Clinic is the first major programme introduced since the Hub was launched in March 2026.
Hosted by ZimTrade, the Hub forms part of the International Trade Centre’s global SheTrades Initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs to participate more fully in international trade.
Its establishment comes at a time when many women-led businesses are producing goods and services with export potential, but remain under-represented in Zimbabwe’s export sector.
Limited access to market information, certification requirements, export procedures and foreign buyers continues to restrict the growth of many enterprises.
Smaller businesses also face challenges in meeting large orders, maintaining consistent quality and managing transport, documentation and payment arrangements.
The SheTrades Zimbabwe Hub was established to help address these challenges through targeted business development, export-readiness support, market intelligence and links to potential partners.
The Business Clinic translates that mandate into practical support for women entrepreneurs seeking to enter export markets or expand their existing export activities.
The programme brings together women-led enterprises and alumni of previous business development programmes for expert-led sessions, group exercises, peer learning and networking.
Participants are being guided to assess their businesses, identify gaps and develop practical export plans based on their products, capacity and target markets.
The clinic also helps companies move beyond general ambitions to sell abroad by setting clear objectives and identifying the steps required to achieve them.
These include understanding market requirements, improving product quality, securing relevant certification and selecting suitable routes to market.
Businesses must also determine whether they have the capacity to supply required volumes consistently and manage the costs associated with exporting.
Early assessment of these areas can help companies avoid entering markets before they are ready and reduce the risk of failing to meet buyer expectations.
ZimTrade is supporting the programme using its export development experience, market knowledge and networks in regional and international markets.
Women-led businesses participating through the Hub can also access ZimTrade’s wider services, including market information, export-readiness programmes, business matchmaking and participation in trade promotion activities.
This support is expected to help enterprises understand how target markets operate and what changes may be required before products can be sold competitively.
Market requirements differ across countries and sectors, making it important for businesses to understand product standards, packaging, pricing, distribution channels and customer preferences.
The clinic also creates a platform for participants to learn from other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
Such engagement can lead to partnerships, shared distribution arrangements and cooperation in meeting larger orders.
The SheTrades platform gives local firms access to a wider international network of women entrepreneurs, business support organisations and potential buyers.
These connections can help businesses identify market opportunities, establish partnerships and learn from companies already operating in export markets.
The Hub’s programmes are expected to continue beyond the clinic, with emphasis placed on sustained business development rather than once-off training.
Regular support will be extended o help participating companies improve their production systems, maintain quality and respond to changing market conditions.
The initiative also supports Zimbabwe’s drive to broaden its export base and increase the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to international trade.
Greater participation by women-led businesses could increase export earnings, create employment and strengthen local value chains.
