Zimbabwe Certifies Financial Education Trainers to Empower Women and Youth

Zimbabwe took a major step forward in advancing financial inclusion and sustainable entrepreneurship as 22 financial education trainers and 250 entrepreneurs were officially certified at a national ceremony held in Bulawayo. The event, spearheaded by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), underscored the country's commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive economy, with a particular focus on women and youth empowerment.

The ceremony, part of the broader Sustainable Enterprise Development for Women and Youth (SEDWAY) initiative, represents a growing national effort to embed financial literacy, sustainable enterprise practices, and entrepreneurial skills into community development strategies.

Financial Literacy as a Catalyst for Change

Philile Masuku, Director of the ILO Country Office in Zimbabwe, hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment in transforming Zimbabwe's enterprise landscape.

"Financial education is more than just understanding money," Masuku stated. "It is about empowering people to make informed financial decisions, manage risks, and seize opportunities for growth."

She noted that through the programme, 1,017 entrepreneurs have already been trained, leading to the creation of 2,246 jobs, with 80% of the supported enterprises sustaining their operations for over a year — a remarkable figure for small and micro-enterprises in challenging economic environments.

Empowering Local Champions

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Judith Ncube, Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, emphasized the pivotal role that certified trainers now play in cascading financial literacy across Zimbabwe's grassroots communities.

"You are now ambassadors of financial literacy and enterprise development. Cascade this training to communities and grassroots entrepreneurs, especially women and youth," she urged.

Minister Ncube lauded the initiative's focus on marginalized groups, noting that financial education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, especially in environments where economic hardship often limits access to opportunity.

About the SEDWAY Programme

The certification ceremony is a core component of the SEDWAY Project (2022–2026), a four-year initiative funded by the African Development Bank. The project aims to boost job creation, support sustainable enterprises, and enhance income security for women and youth across six districts in Zimbabwe:

• Mutasa (Hauna)

• Mutoko

• Masvingo

• Bulawayo

• Hurungwe (Karoi)

• Umguza

Multi-Sectoral Collaboration

SEDWAY is implemented in partnership with multiple government ministries, including:

• Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation

• Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and SME Development

• Ministry of Mines and Mining Development

• Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

• Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare

The project also engages employers' and workers' organizations, alongside informal economy stakeholders, highlighting a truly inclusive, multi-stakeholder model for development.

Strategic Enterprise Development Components

The SEDWAY project focuses on specific enterprise development activities tailored to local economic potential, including:

1. Upgrading a horticulture anchor enterprise in Mutoko

2. Establishing a new horticulture anchor enterprise in Hauna

3. Creating safe market spaces in Masvingo and Bulawayo

4. Establishing a dairy anchor enterprise in Umguza

5. Promoting sustainable mining practices in Karoi

6. Enhancing youth employability through technical and vocational skills training

Each component supports inclusive local economic development, enabling rural and urban communities to tap into productive sectors with growing market potential.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

The SEDWAY initiative aligns closely with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the global Decent Work Agenda, reflecting the ILO's commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth through job creation, rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.

The emphasis on financial literacy and enterprise development ensures that vulnerable populations — particularly women and youth — are not left behind in national and regional economic transformation efforts.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact Across Zimbabwe

With a growing number of certified trainers and community-based entrepreneurs, Zimbabwe is now better equipped to replicate this success in other districts. The ILO and its partners have committed to monitoring impact, refining training modules, and supporting ecosystem-building for micro and small enterprises, ensuring that financial education becomes a lasting pillar of national development.

The success of the National Certification Ceremony in Bulawayo signals the emergence of a new generation of financially empowered entrepreneurs ready to drive inclusive economic change from the grassroots level.