ZWMB Unveils Innovative Digital Platform

By Sharleen Mahammad & Faith Chimutsa

Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) has made a groundbreaking move towards promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women with the launch of http://allwomen.co.zw/, a pioneering digital platform tailored to support and uplift female entrepreneurs.

This innovative platform is designed to provide women with access to a range of financial services, including loans, savings, and insurance products, all specifically designed to meet the unique needs of female entrepreneurs. Through http://allwomen.co.zw/, ZWMB aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower women to take control of their financial futures.

The launch is a significant milestone in ZWMB’s mission to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women. By leveraging digital technology, ZWMB is able to reach a wider audience of women, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in business.

The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ambitious agenda to bridge the digital divide, connect the unconnected, and empower the girl child is yielding tangible results, particularly in Africa. According to recent statistics, the continent has made significant strides in reducing the number of individuals lagging behind in digital literacy, with the percentage of Africans lacking basic digital skills decreasing from 61% to 51%. This notable progress underscores the effectiveness of the ITU’s initiatives and the growing commitment of African governments to harness the transformative power of digital technologies.

The event held at a Monomutapa hotel in Harare, was backed by UN Women which was represented by Mr Simba Moyo, was attended by key business people, Members of Parliament Daniel Mulokeli and Juliana Makivire, Councillor Sandra Ndebele, and members of Young Women 4ED, and more key stakeholders.

At the launch, ZWMB CEO Dr. Mandas Marikanda took the stage, her voice filled with passion and conviction. “We’ve built a legacy of resilience, innovation, and dedication,” she declared. “Our tailored financial solutions have helped women-led businesses thrive, and we’re excited to take it to the next level with this new platform.”

“The platform is a game-changer. It offers a range of essential digital tools, carefully crafted to empower women entrepreneurs. With this platform, women can access a central MSME database, facilitating networking and funding opportunities. They can also utilize an integrated retail payment system, enabling seamless financial transactions,” said Marikanda.

she further highlighted that the platform features an online marketplace, connecting female entrepreneurs with buyers. And, in a bold move, ZWMB has committed to a 25% MSME quota, ensuring women have better access to business opportunities.

As she emphasized, this initiative is not just about providing digital tools, it’s about creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth and success. “We’re committed to helping women expand their reach through digital storefronts and social media marketing,” she explained.

The launch is a culmination of ZWMB’s Open Space Strategy, a collaborative effort with Co-ops Africa and government agencies to enhance financial accessibility for women. Representatives from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, UN Women, and Co-ops Africa were in attendance, expressing their support for the platform and recognizing its potential to drive economic transformation.

As the audience listened intently, ZWMB Board Chair Ms. Kanyongo and Vice Chair Mrs. Mapungwana reinforced the importance of continued development and mentorship for women in business.

The development is noted as a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. It’s a testament to ZWMB’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment.

As the event came to a close, attendees left inspired, viewing the platform as a crucial tool for long-term economic resilience and a model for digital innovation across the continent. The future of women’s entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe has never looked brighter.