By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
In an inspiring move towards gender equality and economic empowerment, Kariba municipality recently hosted a two-day workshop aimed at promoting gender-inclusive local economic development in Zimbabwe.
The initiative, a collaboration with GenderLinks and the Ministry of Local Government, was funded by the Swedish Embassy and is focused on equipping local entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—with vital skills and resources.
Loverage Nhamoyembonde, Programs Officer at GenderLinks, provided insight into the workshop’s comprehensive training model. “We have developed a model that equips selected participants with essential life skills in entrepreneurship,” she stated. “This includes personal financial management, access to finance, and enterprise development, along with the construction of necessary business infrastructure.”
The program is ambitious in scope, extending beyond Kariba to twelve local authorities throughout Zimbabwe. Supported by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the initiative targets five key value chains: arts and culture, waste management, health and sanitation, clean energy, and tourism. Within this framework, the Kariba municipality is particularly focused on enhancing health and sanitation.
A major theme of the workshop was the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. “We have invited key stakeholders, including government ministries and market actors, to form a multi-sectoral steering committee,” Nhamoyembonde explained. This collaboration aims to ensure inclusive participation from all community members—men, women, and youth—boosting income levels and driving transformative change at both individual and community levels.
Highlighting the interdependence of health and economic stability, Everswick Nziramasanga, an Environmental Health Officer from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, called on local vendors to act as health advocates.
“Vendors in the Batonga Classic Market must become our health awareness agents,” he urged. “By actively promoting health programs, we can foster broader community engagement.” This emphasis on health underscores the initiative’s holistic approach to economic development.
The workshop in Kariba marks a pivotal step toward sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe.
By empowering local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources, the initiative aims to combat poverty and enhance livelihoods through localized economic activities.
With united efforts from various stakeholders, there is a strong potential for lasting change that will uplift communities throughout the nation.
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