Next She Exporter Programme Empowers Women Entrepreneurs to Go Global

Over twenty women entrepreneurs from southern Zimbabwe are taking part in the fourth edition of the Next She Exporter incubation programme, a transformative initiative aimed at helping women-owned businesses penetrate international markets. The training, currently underway in Bulawayo, is equipping participants with the skills and insights necessary to scale their businesses and explore export opportunities.

Launched by ZimTrade, the Next She Exporter programme has grown into a national movement for empowering women in trade. Now in its fourth cycle, the initiative continues to evolve, thanks to strategic partnerships like the one with Nedbank, which has helped expand the programme’s reach across provinces and deepen its impact.

Speaking during the three-day training session, ZimTrade associate trainer Keith Heywood encouraged the women to take a critical look at their business strategies. He emphasised the importance of truly understanding customer needs and rebranding where necessary to enhance market appeal.

“To effectively solve customer problems, focus on active listening, empathetic understanding, offering clear solutions and providing follow-up support,” said Heywood. “Sometimes your businesses are not failing because you don’t know what you’re doing—but because you’re not presenting your value clearly enough.”

Among this year’s participants is Miss Catherine Phiri, founder of SheDIRACT, an organisation that equips women with digital innovation and communication skills. She sees the programme as a gateway to greater exposure and growth for her organisation. “By attending the Next She Exporter incubation programme, I’m hoping to acquire more knowledge and skills that will elevate our operations and help us gain recognition,” she said.

Another participant, Ms Nomagugu Ndlovu, runs a business specialising in plus-size clothing and is targeting a growing segment of the fashion market. “The plus-size clothing market is substantial and experiencing consistent growth. A significant percentage of women fall within this category, so there’s huge potential,” she said. “This programme gives me the opportunity to expand my knowledge so I can grow my customer base and take my brand to the next level.”

The Next She Exporter programme looks for businesses that demonstrate innovation, competitive advantage, environmental sustainability, and social impact. Participants are expected to showcase a visible potential for scaling into export markets, particularly in sectors such as fashion, agro-processing, and digital services.

As the training progresses, the women involved are not only learning about market access and export procedures—they are also building networks, developing leadership skills, and refining their business models to meet international standards.

With programmes like Next She Exporter, Zimbabwe is positioning more women entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage—contributing to inclusive economic growth and creating long-term opportunities for women-led enterprises.