Women are known as the driving force, supporting their families and acting as breadwinners in this developing world. They are known not only to support their families but also their relatives and communities. So, it is crucial to understand their socio-economic activities in the developing world. In Zimbabwe, there are many investment opportunities for female entrepreneurs, driven by a growing economy, increasing digital connectivity, and a rising culture of innovation. Today, Zimbabwe’s female entrepreneurs are playing a significant role in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and retail. This makes the country a promising country for investors to support female-led businesses. It is not only a socially responsible decision but also a profitable one. 

Zimbabwe’s female entrepreneurs have a deep understanding of local markets. Organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank are offering financial and technical support to female entrepreneurs. This blog will discuss some renowned female entrepreneurs from Zimbabwe and their business opportunities.

Explore the Top 10 Zimbabwe Female Entrepreneurs and their field of work. 

Discusses in detail the Top Business Opportunities for Women in Zimbabwe.

Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs and How They Overcame These

• Agriculture and Food Processing: Agriculture is a major part of Zimbabwe’s economy. Women are starting businesses in poultry farming, vegetable growing, and organic food production. Investing in women-led farms and food processing companies can bring good profits while supporting food security.

• Manufacturing: Zimbabwe imports many everyday products, but local businesses can fill this gap. Women entrepreneurs are making cosmetics, clothing, and processed foods. Investors can help these businesses grow by providing funding and equipment.

• Retail and Online Business: Online shopping is rapidly growing in Zimbabwe. Through e-commerce platforms and social media, women are selling apparel, beauty products, and other fashion items. By providing funds and equipment, investors can help grow these businesses.

• Renewable Energy: Zimbabwe faces power shortages, increasing the demand for solar energy and clean cooking solutions. Many women are starting businesses in solar panel sales, biogas production, and energy-efficient stoves. Investing in these businesses can bring both profits and environmental benefits.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Zimbabwe is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Women are starting businesses in tourism, such as eco-lodges, travel agencies, and handmade crafts. Investing in this sector can help attract more visitors and support local communities.
• Financial Technology (FinTech): Many people in Zimbabwe still do not have access to banking services. Female entrepreneurs are launching mobile banking, digital payment systems, and loan services. Supporting women-led FinTech businesses can help more people access financial services while generating profits.
•  Health and Wellness: The health industry is growing, with more demand for organic skincare, fitness centers, and wellness retreats. Women entrepreneurs are creating products and services to meet this demand. Investors can help these businesses expand and reach more customers.

Zimbabwe has many remarkable female entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to various industries. Their journey has not been easy, and they had to face numerous challenges. However, they found ways to overcome these challenges and succeed. In this part of the article, we are going to talk about the ten influential women whose entrepreneurial ventures have shaped the country’s business landscape.

Divine Ndhlukula – Founder of Securico

Divine Ndhlukula is the founder and managing director of Securico, one of Zimbabwe’s leading security companies. She is an author, speaker, and philanthropist. She started the company in 1998 with just four employees, and it has since grown to employ thousands, setting a benchmark in the security industry. She stated in an interview that the idea to form Securico was generated to revolutionize the male-dominant security industry. It is the first Zimbabwean staffed security company to be certified to the internationally acclaimed ISO9001:2008 Quality Management System. 

Services Provided:

• Remote monitoring
• Alarm systems
• CCTV
• Guards
• Response team 

Challenges faced: 

Limited Access to Capital: Getting funding for businesses is a major challenge for women in Zimbabwe. Many banks and investors prefer to fund male-owned businesses, making it harder for women to access loans or investments.

How They Overcame It:

Some entrepreneurs, like Divine Ndhlukula (founder of Securico), started their businesses with personal savings and small loans from family and friends.

Others applied for grants and microfinance loans targeted at women.

Tsitsi Masiyiwa – Philanthropist and Social Entrepreneur

Tsitsi Masiyiwa is renowned for her philanthropic efforts and social entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of the Higherlife Foundation, she has played an important role in providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children in Zimbabwe. 

Higherlife Foundation is a social organisation that invests in human capital. It was founded in 1996 out of their deep Christian faith. Their vision is “To provide a platform for people to fulfill their God-given purpose.” Their mission is “To invest in Africa’s human capital in order to build thriving individuals, communities, and sustainable livelihoods.”

Challenges faced:

Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Women in business often struggle to be taken seriously, especially in male-dominated industries like security, technology, and manufacturing. Many face discrimination and are not given equal opportunities.

How They Overcame It:

Entrepreneurs like Tsitsi Masiyiwa (co-founder of Higherlife Foundation) built strong reputations through hard work, professionalism, and high-quality service.

Some women joined business networks and mentorship programs to gain recognition and support.

Natalie Jabangwe – Tech Innovator

Natalie Jabangwe is a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s tech industry, known for her work in mobile and digital financial services. Her innovative solutions have enhanced financial inclusion in the country. She is a Zimbabwean computer engineer and businesswoman. She was the chief executive officer of EcoCash, which is a mobile money service of Econet Wireless, a leading wireless telephony company in Zimbabwe.

EcoCash is a smart mobile payment solution that allows customers to complete financial transactions straight from their mobile phones. Options available are: 

• Send Money
• Buy Airtime
• Pay For Goods and Services

Challenges faced:

Market Access and Competition: Many women-owned businesses struggle to reach larger markets due to high competition and limited connections.

How They Overcame It:

Entrepreneurs like Natalie Jabangwe (tech innovator) embraced digital technology to expand their reach and attract more customers.

Some partnered with international organizations to export their products.

Karen Mutasa – Entrepreneur and Author

Karen Mutasa is a prominent entrepreneur with ventures in various sectors, including real estate and hospitality. She is also a published author, showcasing her versatility and commitment to cultural enrichment. Karen is the vice president of the Restaurants Operators Association of Zimbabwe and commissioner at the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission.

Founder & Visionary Leader at The Skin Spa Group | Partner at Nuance-SSA | Patron of Teen Rescue Mission | Trustee of ZIMPACT | Founder of Solidarity Trust Zimbabwe, Shareholder Masawara PLC

Challenges faced:

Balancing Business and Family Responsibilities: Many women entrepreneurs also have family responsibilities, making it difficult to balance work and home life.

How They Overcame It:

Successful businesswomen like Karen Mutasa (real estate investor) learned to delegate tasks and hire skilled employees to manage operations.

Some entrepreneurs involved their families in their businesses, turning them into family-run enterprises.

Ethel Mupambwa – Co-founder of Moneymart

Ethel Mupambwa co-founded Moneymart, a microfinance institution aimed at providing financial services to underserved communities. Her work has been recognized internationally, including being listed among the top 50 finalists of the Jack Ma Foundation’s “Africa Business Heroes” competition in 2020. 

Ethel is a founding trustee of the Digital Finance Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe and the country facilitator for the Digital Frontiers Institute in Zimbabwe. She wants to ensure financial inclusion for all Zimbabweans.

Ethel Mupambwa is adamant that she can contribute to the “Sustainable Development Goals” by using digital finance to combat poverty, generate wealth, and transform lives. 

She has served over 10,000 microentrepreneurs, among whom 70% are women. She offers free programs that teach people about finance, helping women and young people in business gain more financial power. In doing so, Ethel has positively influenced the creation of more than 30,000 jobs for women and children. Since 2018, Ethel has distributed over 3,000 sustainable, modern, accessible, renewable, and technologically driven by Pay-As-You-Go solar home systems in rural areas, tapping into SDG 7, to make sure that the rural child has more time to study, women can charge their phones without extra costs, and even increase their working hours. It is one of Ethel’s acts to distribute sanitary wear to rural schools to ensure the girl child is safe and comfortable. 

Challenges faced:

Economic and Political Instability: Zimbabwe has faced economic challenges, including inflation, currency issues, and political instability, making it difficult to run a business.

How They Overcame It:

Businesswomen like Ethel Mupambwa (co-founder of Moneymart) focused on innovative solutions, such as microfinance, to help communities overcome financial hardships.

Some diversified their businesses to survive tough economic times.

Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya – Founder of Biddy’s Bakery

Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya is a shining example of Zimbabwe’s agricultural expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of Biddy’s Bakery, she has formed an ideal position in the competitive food industry, producing high-quality baked goods that have earned a loyal customer base.

Challenges faced:

Limited Business Training and Support: Many women entrepreneurs start businesses without formal business training, making it harder to manage finances, marketing, and operations.

How They Overcame It:

Some attended business workshops and training programs offered by organizations such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank.

Entrepreneurs like Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya (founder of Biddy’s Bakery) learned through experience and mentorship.

Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe to grow their businesses:

1. Access to Funding and Microfinance

• Banks and microfinance institutions now offer more funding options for women.
• Programs like the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank help women access capital.

2. Digital and E-commerce Growth

• Online platforms allow women to sell products nationwide and internationally.
• Social media marketing can help businesses reach a larger audience.

3. Support from Business Networks and Mentorship Programs

• Organizations like the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce provide training and networking opportunities.
• Mentorship programs help women learn from successful entrepreneurs.

4. Government and NGO Support

• The government and NGOs offer grants, training, and resources for women entrepreneurs.
• Business development programs support women in agriculture, technology, and other industries.

5. Expansion into Regional and International Markets

• Women entrepreneurs can explore exporting products to neighboring countries.
• Trade agreements and partnerships with global organizations provide new business opportunities.

Zimbabwe’s female entrepreneurs have shown resilience, innovation, and determination. They have overcome challenges through hard work, financial creativity, networking, and continuous learning. With increasing access to funding, technology, and business support, women in Zimbabwe have more opportunities than ever to grow and succeed. By investing in and supporting female entrepreneurs, Zimbabwe can build a stronger economy and create more opportunities for future business leaders. So what are you waiting for? It is high time to explore opportunities and enter the Zimbabwe market.

To learn about investing in Zimbabwe, you can read, Easy Guide to Invest in Zimbabwe: Your Guide on How to Invest Step by Step

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the most successful female entrepreneur in Zimbabwe?

Many female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe have achieved great success, but Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, is widely regarded as one of the most successful due to her leadership in the security industry.

2. What are the main industries where female entrepreneurs thrive in Zimbabwe?

Women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are active in industries such as security, finance, agriculture, real estate, education, and technology.

3. How can women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe get funding for their businesses?

• Applying for grants and loans from institutions like the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank.

• Seeking investment from venture capitalists and angel investors.

• Using personal savings or financial assistance from family and friends.

4. What challenges do female entrepreneurs face in Zimbabwe?

The main challenges include limited access to capital, gender bias, economic instability, lack of business training, and difficulty accessing larger markets.

5. What support is available for female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe?

• Business training programs and mentorship.

• Government and NGO grants.

• Networking opportunities through organizations like the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.