WOMEN in Farming and Entrepreneurship (WIFE) has named Mukuru as its sole financing partner for a new agripreneurship initiative aimed at empowering rural women.
The project, Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agroecological Sunflower Value Chain Development for Rural Women, will provide training in agroecology, sunflower cultivation, processing and marketing.
WIFE founder Amanda Munyoro told NewsDay that the initiative is “centred around village-based sunflower value chain development” to support “inclusive economic and social growth in rural communities”.
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She confirmed that while the project focuses on women’s empowerment, 20% of beneficiaries will be men to ensure no one is left behind.
Munyoro described the partnership as a “major milestone” for the organisation, stating it offers far more than financial backing.
“It amplifies WIFE’s brand visibility through Mukuru’s platform, strengthens institutional capacity through mentorship and opens doors for deeper collaboration,” she said.
A key component will be Mukuru’s Money Matters Training for farmers, which Munyoro said aligned with WIFE’s mission to reduce donor dependency by “fostering financial literacy skills and access to financial and non-financial capital for sustainable agripreneurship”.
Participants will also gain access to Mukuru’s financial products, including the Mukuru Wallet, Funeral Cover and Microfinance Bank.
Precious Hofisi, a 52-year-old widow, said the initiative is life-changing.
“The challenge has always been earning a consistent income from farming. Having access to farm inputs, the knowledge we are being exposed to, and to market access will empower me to support my family fully,” Hofisi said.
This initiative forms part of Mukuru’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which aims to uplift rural communities by creating opportunities for income generation and financial independence, and fostering economic inclusion for traditionally underserved groups.
“Our partnership is about more than just improving access to finance. It is about helping rural women build resilient livelihoods and fully participate in their local economy,” said Awonke Mbanga, Mukuru’s CSI manager.
“By combining financial tools with training and community-based support, we are creating opportunities for women to grow their agribusinesses with confidence. We are committed to breaking down barriers to inclusion and supporting stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Founded in 2020, WIFE emerged from Munyoro’s personal challenges as a small-scale farmer facing limited access to capital and markets.
The organisation works with 200 women, primarily small-scale farmers, across Chikomba, Zvimba and Harare.
The sunflower project will be launched in Guruve with a pilot group of 30 farmers.
WIFE’s broader five-year goals include establishing profitable circular sunflower value chain groups in Guruve and enhancing capital access for 500 women in Chikomba and Zvimba, aiming to grow a financing book of at least US$1 million through strategic alliances.
