ZimTrade Boosts Export Readiness for Women-Led Basketry Clusters in Chivi and Buhera

The national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, has launched a capacity-building initiative targeting Zenzele Basket Works, a basketry cluster in Chivi. The programme aims to prepare the cluster for international markets by helping it meet global standards, while also integrating the group into Zimbabwe’s mainstream economy.

Zenzele Basket Works is made up of over 400 women, mainly widows, from Wards 19 and 32 of Chivi district. ZimTrade’s initiative focuses on enhancing the export readiness of Zimbabwean enterprises, particularly women and youth-led businesses and small to medium enterprises. Through training programmes, technical assistance, and market linkage strategies, the organisation aims to position local baskets for competitive markets in Europe and the United States.

One of the programmes being implemented is the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness (MBIC), which helps businesses improve product quality, packaging, and identify international market opportunities. This move aligns with the Government’s devolution agenda and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which supports rural communities in producing export-oriented goods. President Mnangagwa has emphasised that no individual or area should be left behind as Zimbabwe pursues upper middle-income status by 2030.

Zenzele Basket Works coordinator, Mrs Harugumi Korogwe, said the initiative is equipping women with new skills that make their products globally competitive. “Their help has come in handy because it has helped us refine our basketry. We are very confident that our products are now competitive in the export markets that we seek to send our products to,” she said.

Chivi Women’s Quota Councillor, Mrs Martha Machonese, praised the initiative, noting it is increasing visibility for previously isolated communities. “As a councillor, I am happy that the Second Republic is now recognising our community’s work, especially from reclusive areas. This is poised to uplift the livelihoods of women in Chivi district,” she said.

ZimTrade is supporting the cluster in refining craftsmanship, improving finishing techniques, and aligning products with international standards. Member Mrs Regina Gomba, who has been weaving since 1975, noted the need for consistent market access. “We used to have customers from South Africa and the United States, but they have since stopped. We are, therefore, pleading with ZimTrade to find markets for our wares,” she said.

In Buhera, the Maoko Izanhlha Heritage Association, formerly Buhera Baskets, is also being prepared for export readiness. Their baskets are durable and resistant to termites and other pests. Member Mrs Evelyn Muzerengwa said the group is relying on ZimTrade to enhance the viability of their enterprise. “We are banking on this collaboration with ZimTrade because we know it has the potential to change our lives. Buhera is a drought-prone area and, because of that, basketry is what we know and cannot let go,” she said.

Another member, Mrs Esnath Barnabas, highlighted the importance of market access. “We are putting a lot of effort into making these baskets, thus we want markets to open up so that the community of people weaving baskets here in Buhera South are rewarded for their efforts. Despite the shrinking chances of selling our wares, we are still getting money for our children’s education and food,” she said.

Through ZimTrade, these clusters have improved productivity and skills, preparing them for export markets. Plans are underway to train new weavers, expand product designs, and ensure timely order fulfilment. Zimbabwean baskets, made from quality organic fibre, offer a competitive advantage and have the potential to thrive in global markets.

The initiative demonstrates a focused effort to empower women, strengthen rural economies, and position Zimbabwean artisanal products for international success.