In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) Zimbabwe, in partnership with Masvingo Polytechnic and Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, is set to host the Women Investor-Ready Mentorship Programme on 19–20 March 2026 at Masvingo Polytechnic in Masvingo. The two-day programme, forming part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, seeks to equip women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with practical skills, mentorship, and market exposure needed to grow sustainable and competitive businesses. Senior government officials are expected to officiate the programme, underscoring the national significance of supporting women’s enterprise development.
The programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WEDO Zimbabwe and Masvingo Polytechnic, establishing a strategic collaboration to deliver tailored entrepreneurship training and mentorship initiatives. Through this partnership, the Department of Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Masvingo Polytechnic, with support from the Food Science Department, will work closely with WEDO to provide structured mentorship, technical guidance, and hands-on learning opportunities for women participants. Several skills development programmes are set to commence as a result of this MOU, aimed at equipping women with a range of practical competencies in business management, innovation, value addition, market access, and enterprise growth.
WEDO Zimbabwe, a global movement dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering women entrepreneurs, continues to champion initiatives that strengthen women’s economic participation. By providing mentorship, training, networking platforms, and access to investment opportunities, WEDO enables women to build resilient enterprises while connecting them with corporate partners, academic institutions, and development stakeholders. The Women Investor-Ready Mentorship Programme exemplifies this commitment, creating a comprehensive platform for knowledge transfer, business skills enhancement, and collaboration.
During the programme, participants will engage in mentorship sessions facilitated by lecturers, industry experts, and experienced entrepreneurs. Key focus areas will include investor readiness, project management, market access strategies, branding, and value addition, particularly for agricultural and food products. These sessions will equip participants with actionable strategies to position their enterprises for growth, sustainability, and broader market engagement.
An integral part of the programme will be an exhibition, where women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to stakeholders, potential partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. This platform will foster networking, market visibility, and business linkages that are critical for enterprise development. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation jointly issued by WEDO Zimbabwe and Masvingo Polytechnic, with the certification ceremony taking place on the final day of the programme.
To participate in this transformative initiative, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to register as members of WEDO Zimbabwe. Membership not only provides access to this mentorship programme but also opens doors to a growing network of empowerment initiatives, business development support, and future skills-building programmes designed to elevate women-led enterprises.
By bringing together government officials, corporate partners such as Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, academic institutions, and women entrepreneurs, the Women Investor-Ready Mentorship Programme represents a holistic approach to women’s economic empowerment. Beyond training, exhibitions, and certifications, the initiative is designed to foster sustainable networks, mentorship relationships, and practical skills that will enable women entrepreneurs in Masvingo and beyond to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
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